Three arrested and San Pedro cactus plants also found at rural properties that hosted lucrative ‘astral journeys’
Police in eastern Spain have arrested three people and seized 11 litres of ayahuasca, 117 San Pedro cactus plants and several bottles of toad poison after raiding two rural properties that were used to host lucrative spiritual retreats promising “astral journeys”.
Officers from the Guardia Civil force began investigating the business in the Pedreguer municipality of Alicante province five months ago after receiving a complaint from a former customer. They discovered that the retreat, which advertised online and billed itself as an award-winning and internationally renowned spiritual centre, offered “traditional curative medicine” breaks that were especially popular among European visitors.
“The three-day and five-day packages on offer cost an average of €1,000 [£865] and included lodgings, support and the substances to be taken,” the force said in a statement.
“The retreats comprised groups of up to 20 people, who were accompanied on their ‘astral journeys’ by six of the organisation’s employees. Several such retreats took place each week, leading investigators to conclude that the group made hundreds of thousands of euros over the past year – most of which was paid in cash that was not declared and which therefore left no trace. A large number of bank accounts in different countries were used.”
