Ibogaine Therapies in Costa Rica Under Scrutiny

Costa Rica has become a popular destination for alternative therapies using ibogaine, a potent psychoactive substance derived from the Iboga plant, which is often used in unregulated treatments for addiction and mental illnesses. While the plant itself is not prohibited in Costa Rica, ibogaine is not registered as a medicine by the Ministry of Health, making its use unauthorized.

The substance is known for its intense, long-lasting effects and is believed to help alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug cravings by promoting neuroplasticity. Despite the lack of authorization, several wellness centers in Costa Rica offer expensive ibogaine sessions, primarily attracting Europeans and Americans. However, these treatments come with significant risks. Costa Rican authorities have repeatedly warned about the dangers of using unregulated substances in such treatments.

Costa Rican Police Officers Face Court Over Alleged Dog Killing Incident

Four police officers in Costa Rica are facing trial for allegedly killing a dog by running it over with their patrol cars in San José. The incident, which occurred on August 9th, was captured on a security camera and has sparked public outrage, leading to protests by animal rights advocates outside the courthouse. The officers could face up to three years in prison if convicted of animal cruelty.

The Association for Animal Welfare and Protection filed the complaint, demanding justice and emphasizing that no one is above the law. The officers have denied awareness of the dog during the incident and are currently suspended from duty, awaiting the court’s decision. The Judicial Investigation Agency has recreated the events at the scene to assist in the ongoing investigation.

Environmental Crime and Corruption Exposed

A significant investigation is underway regarding the granting of logging permits within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica. Prosecutor Luis Diego Hernández from the Adjunct Environmental Prosecutor’s Office suggests that the case involves corruption, benefiting private interests in a protected area. The alleged corruption implicates high-ranking officials from various government bodies, including the Talamanca mayor and directors from the Amistad Caribe Conservation Area, SINAC, MINAE, and INDER.

The investigation centers on claims that public officials conspired with powerful economic groups to reduce the refuge’s boundaries, facilitating real estate developments and extracting state-owned natural resources. President Rodrigo Chaves has questioned the legitimacy of the investigations and defended businessman Allan Pacheco Dent, who was previously detained for allegedly obtaining irregular logging permits in the refuge