Alpes-Maritimes: Three people charged after shamanic rituals under the influence of psychotropic substances

Three people have been charged in the Alpes-Maritimes region following the dismantling of a group organizing shamanic ceremonies during which prohibited psychotropic substances were consumed. The operation, conducted by gendarmes from the Puget-Théniers research brigade at a property in Toudon, resulted in the rescue of fourteen participants, who were taken into care by emergency services. Approximately fifty military personnel and rescue workers were mobilized for the operation.

According to the Nice prosecutor's office, the organizers regularly offered small-group rituals during which participants ingested hallucinogenic mushrooms and preparations made from psychotropic plants. The three suspects—a 63-year-old man, his 67-year-old partner, and a 42-year-old woman—are suspected of having developed a community operating with cult-like practices.

More than 120,000 euros and significant seizures

The searches conducted on July 11 led to the discovery of several hundred peyote cacti, hallucinogenic mushrooms, including fly agaric and Niño Santos, as well as divination sage and numerous preparations used during the ceremonies. Investigators believe the organizers may have psychologically manipulated some participants in order to exert control over them.

The investigation also uncovered over €120,000 in financial transactions linked to these activities over the past three years. Authorities seized approximately €80,000 from bank accounts, €5,000 in cash, several vehicles, including a Range Rover Evoque, as well as jewelry and luxury leather goods.

A judicial investigation has been opened for drug trafficking, fraudulent abuse of a state of psychological or physical dependence by an organized group, placing or maintaining a person in a state of dependence, illegally practicing medicine, administering harmful substances to a vulnerable person, and money laundering. The three individuals charged, previously unknown to the justice system, deny the offenses with which they are charged but have been placed under judicial supervision pending further investigation.