Spain’s Guardia Civil has dismantled an alleged unlicensed therapeutic-retreat operation in Sagunto, Valencia, where clients were reportedly offered psychoactive substances under the guise of medical and psychological treatment. People from several parts of Spain, including the Balearic Islands, were present when officers searched the premises, according to information released about the investigation.

The operation, named Quimera, led to the arrest of a 46-year-old Argentine man identified as the alleged head of the operation. A 38-year-old Argentine woman has also been placed under investigation. Both are suspected of offences against public health, unauthorised professional practice and fraud. Neither has been convicted in connection with the case.

The investigation concerns alleged retreats promoted as therapeutic experiences despite the absence of the professional qualifications and authorisations required to provide the services being advertised.

Investigation Began with Online Advertisements

Investigators began looking into the organisation after detecting online advertisements promoting events that used language associated with psychology, therapy and therapeutic retreats.

The information was referred to the Official College of Psychologists of the Valencian Community, which subsequently lodged a complaint on 13 July. Checks reportedly found that the people providing the services did not have the relevant professional qualifications or registration. Authorities also found that the property in Sagunto lacked the opening, activity and other authorisations required for its stated use.

According to investigators, the retreats were promoted as offering health benefits and used the language of treatment despite the lack of evidence that those running them were qualified to provide the services.

Psychoactive Substances and Alleged Medical Claims

Investigators said participants were administered substances with psychoactive effects, including ayahuasca, hallucinogenic mushrooms and psilocybin. Other substances mentioned in the investigation include kambó, derived from a frog secretion, and Bufo alvarius.

Authorities alleged that these substances were presented as having medicinal properties and that promotional material included claims about curing illnesses, even serious diseases such as cancer. Investigators described those claims as false.

The organisation reportedly advertised retreat places online for prices of up to €500. Its social media activity also allegedly promoted the preparation of homemade psilocybin capsules.

The investigation raises concerns about people being offered purported medical or psychological care by individuals without the required qualifications, particularly when the services involve psychoactive substances and claims of treating serious illnesses.

Police Search in September

On 25 September 2026, officers searched a chalet in Sagunto that investigators identified as the premises used for the retreats and associated activities.

The search resulted in the seizure of various substances that were still awaiting analysis by health authorities at the time of reporting. Officers also reportedly found mushrooms with potential hallucinogenic effects, evidence of mushroom-growing kits, a capsule-making machine, precision scales, cash and medical records relating to patients.

A container labelled MMS, or Miracle Mineral Solution, was also found. Authorities have previously issued warnings concerning products marketed under that name.

Several clients from different parts of Spain were reportedly at the premises during the search. Those present included people from Tarragona, Barcelona, the Balearic Islands and Bizkaia. The available information does not identify the Balearic visitors as residents of Ibiza specifically.

The 46-year-old man was arrested following the search. The woman was placed under investigation several days later.

Investigation Also Identified a Related Site in Argentina

Investigators reportedly found evidence of another similar facility in Argentina linked to the same organisation.

The case remains a criminal investigation. The two individuals are suspected of offences against public health, unauthorised professional practice and fraud, but those allegations have not been established by a court.

The investigation is being handled by officers from the Puerto de Sagunto investigative unit, following the complaint made by the Valencian Community’s professional psychology body.

Why the Case Has a Connection to the Balearic Islands

Although the premises were in Sagunto, the presence of clients from the Balearic Islands gives the case a regional connection. The available reporting does not provide further details about those individuals, their reasons for attending or whether any were from Ibiza or Formentera.

The case also highlights the importance of checking the qualifications and authorisations of anyone offering psychological, medical or therapeutic services, especially where claims are made about treating serious illnesses.

The Guardia Civil’s investigation concerns alleged practices at one operation in Sagunto. It does not establish wrongdoing by other retreat providers, and the suspects remain entitled to the presumption of innocence while the judicial process continues.