A 40-year-old cancer survivor died after he is thought to have used a drug made from the poisonous skin of an Amazonian frog - his mum has called for it to be made illegal in the UK14:57, 24 May 2026Updated 14:57, 24 May 2026A British wellness coach and cancer survivor died after an apparent "detox" ceremony using a drug made from the deadly skin of a Amazonian tree frog.Kristian Trend, 40, is believed to have collapsed at his flat in Leicester after taking a drug known as Kambo, traditionally used in South America for fertility ceremonies and so-called purging. The drug is made from the poisonous dried skin secretions of the giant leaf frog. Kambo has been banned in many countries, including Australia and Chile, but is legal to purchase in the UK.The 40-year-old's mum, Angie, has called on the alternative medicine to be banned following the tragic death of her son, last month.Kambo has been rising in popularity in Europe by people using the poisonous treatment as a wellbeing substance that could lead to "a life-changing experience".Angie, speaking to The Telegraph, said her son was "very spiritual" and told her he was "going to cleanse himself", adding: "But I don’t know what happened."The heartbroken mum said: "We haven't had the test results back yet. I don’t know anything and I don’t even think I want to know what happened. It won’t bring him back."Angie said her son spent had four months in hospital and nearly died while suffering from Burkitt lymphoma cancer but eventually recovered. On his cancer battle, Kristian previously wrote online: "At 23, I was given up to six months to live without intensive treatment. A rare cancer diagnosis forced me to choose: live in fear, or surrender to a higher purpose."After much travelling through India and Asia immersed in holistic wellness and meditation, the path became clear." The grieving mother added that his tragic death happened on his birthday week.While Kristian's cause of death has not been confirmed, if it is linked to Kambo he could be the first British victim of the drug. Leicestershire Police confirmed a man had been "taken unwell" at a home in Leicester on April 11 but later died in hospital.Police added that a man, 41, was arrested on suspicion of administering poison. The force said the man was released on bail and an "investigation into the circumstances of the incident is continuing".Kambo, also known as Sapo, has not been licensed by the UK and the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency as a medicine. The MHRA also does not regulate people who administer the alternative drug. Mum Angie called for the drug to be banned, saying: "I hope they ban it, but I'm not strong enough to fight for it. My husband died six years ago at 62. I’m completely lost now."Article continues belowKristian's family has set up a fundraiser in aid of the Loros hospice charity in Leicestershire. In a touching tribute they wrote: "For anyone who would like to make a donation in memory of Kristian. . . We would like to raise as much money as possible for such an amazing charity that meant the world to him and us as a family. Fly high big bro. We love you always, Mum, Kayla and Bligh."The 40-year-old had recently launched a plant based energy drink named Feel Good Polys and his family plans to sell the remaining stocks and donated the money to charity.The Home Office said it was working with health officials to monitor the substance. A spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with Mr Trend’s family and loved ones. Any substance that poses a risk to public health or safety will be kept under review. We urge individuals to exercise caution when considering alternative therapies and to be aware of the potential risks involved."
Wellness coach dies after ceremony 'using drug made from poisonous Amazon frog'
A 40-year-old cancer survivor died after he is thought to have used a drug made from the poisonous skin of an Amazonian frog - his mum has called for it to be made illegal in the UK









