9 Indigenous shamans arrested in Mexico for possessing ayahuasca, a debated ancient Amazonian healing substance.

9 shamans from Indigenous communities in Colombia, Peru, and Brazil were arrested in Mexico since 2022 for possessing ayahuasca, a mind-altering brew classified as an illicit substance. The brew is used by Indigenous people as a healing portal to the spirit world. In Mexico, those arrested were regarded as traffickers. All nine were released after their arrests revived debate about the ancient Amazonian concoction.