A suspected unlicensed therapeutic retreat in Sagunto, Valencia, is under investigation after the Guardia Civil uncovered an operation that allegedly administered psychoactive substances to clients while promoting them as treatments capable of curing illnesses. People from the Balearic Islands were among the clients present when officers searched the property, although investigators have not confirmed that any of them came specifically from Ibiza.

The investigation, known as Operation Quimera, resulted in the arrest of a 46-year-old Argentine man identified as the organisation’s principal figure. A 38-year-old Argentine woman, also of Argentine nationality, is being investigated in connection with the alleged activity.

The case involves suspected offences against public health, unlawful professional practice and fraud. The allegations have been referred to the relevant court in Sagunto, and neither individual has been convicted.

Online Advertisements Triggered the Investigation

The investigation began after authorities identified an organisation advertising retreats online using language associated with psychology and therapy.

Concerns about possible unauthorised professional practice were referred to the Official College of Psychologists of the Valencian Community. Following checks, the professional body filed a complaint on 13 July 2026 after finding that the people offering the services did not have the necessary professional registration or qualifications.

Municipal checks also found that the premises lacked an opening licence and the relevant authorisation for the activities being carried out there.

Investigators subsequently examined the nature of the retreats, the substances allegedly administered and the health claims used to promote the services.

Psychoactive Substances Presented as Therapeutic Treatments

According to the investigation, the retreats involved the administration of several substances with psychoactive effects. These included ayahuasca, hallucinogenic mushrooms, psilocybin, the secretion known as kambó and the compound bufo alvarius.

Investigators allege that the substances were presented as part of therapeutic treatments and accompanied by promises of curing illnesses, despite the organisers lacking the appropriate healthcare qualifications.

The organisation reportedly advertised places through online platforms for prices reaching €500. It also promoted the handmade production of psilocybin capsules through social media.

The investigation further found that promotional material presented vomiting and diarrhoea as signs that the body was improving or eliminating infections. Authorities described these claims as false. The material also included claims suggesting the treatments could prevent the progression of serious illnesses, including cancer.

Such claims should not be confused with established medical evidence. The investigation concerns the alleged use of psychoactive substances under the appearance of legitimate healthcare treatment.

Guardia Civil Searches Property in Sagunto

On 25 September 2026, officers carried out a search at a chalet in Sagunto used as the organisation’s premises and event location.

During the operation, they seized numerous substances that were still awaiting analysis by the relevant health authorities. The material reportedly included a container labelled MMS, or Miracle Mineral Solution, a product subject to an illegal-medicines alert.

Officers also found equipment for manufacturing capsules, precision scales, mushrooms with potential hallucinogenic effects, evidence of cultivation kits, cash and medical records relating to clients.

The presence of patient records and the range of substances and equipment seized formed part of the evidence gathered during the investigation. The precise composition and legal status of all seized substances should not be assumed until the relevant analyses and proceedings establish the facts.

Clients From Several Spanish Regions, Including the Balearic Islands

Several clients were present at the property when the search took place. Investigators reported that they had come from different parts of Spain, including Tarragona, Barcelona, the Balearic Islands and Bizkaia.

The reference to the Balearic Islands is significant for residents of Ibiza and Formentera, but the information released does not identify the island of origin of the individual clients. It would therefore be inaccurate to state that Ibiza residents were confirmed among those present.

The investigation also identified another similar installation in Argentina that authorities believe is linked to the same organisation.

One Arrest and a Second Person Under Investigation

Following the search, the 46-year-old man identified as the organisation’s principal figure was arrested. The 38-year-old woman was placed under investigation several days later.

Both are suspected of offences against public health, unlawful professional practice and fraud. These are allegations at the investigative stage, not findings of guilt.

The investigation was carried out by the Guardia Civil’s investigative unit in Puerto de Sagunto following the complaint from the professional psychology body. The case documents have been submitted to the relevant section of the Sagunto court.

Case Referred to the Courts

Operation Quimera has brought attention to the risks associated with unlicensed retreats that present psychoactive substances as medical or psychological treatments without appropriately qualified professionals.

The investigation centres on the alleged administration of these substances, the claims used to market the retreats and the absence of the required professional and premises authorisations.

The substances seized during the search were still awaiting analysis in the latest information available. The judicial process will determine the responsibility of the people under investigation.

For now, the confirmed connection to the Balearic Islands is that clients from the region were present at the property. No more specific link to Ibiza has been established publicly.