A 40-year-old man has died after participating in a trendy 'detox' ceremony involving a drug derived from the poisonous skin of an Amazonian tree frog, just days before his birthday. Kristian Trend is believed to be the first Briton to succumb to Kambo, a secretion used traditionally by indigenous Amazon tribes in purging and fertility rituals.
What is Kambo?
Kambo, also known as Sapo, is a poisonous substance that can cause tachycardia, hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes bowel movements. In severe cases, it has been linked to sudden death. The drug is not a licensed medicine in the UK, and those who administer it are not regulated by the Healthcare Regulatory Agency.
The Incident
Mr. Trend collapsed last month during a 'cleansing' ceremony in a flat in Clarendon Park, Leicester. Police responded to reports of a man 'taken unwell' on April 11. Despite being a wellbeing coach and cancer survivor, he tragically died. He had been hospitalized for four months prior due to Burkitt lymphoma, a fast-growing cancer affecting the jaw, abdomen, or central nervous system.
Family's Response
Mr. Trend's mother, Angie, has called for Kambo to be outlawed. She told The Telegraph: 'He was going to cleanse himself... He was very spiritual. He took a lot of vitamins. But I don't know what happened.' She added that the worst part was that he had survived cancer, only to die from this. His birthday was the following week, and she had already bought presents.
The family has set up a tribute page. A sibling wrote: 'Fly high big bro. We love you always, Mum, Kayla and Bligh.' Friends described him as 'a wonderful man who died too young' and 'taken from his family and friends way too young.'
Investigation
A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of administering poison and has been released on bail. Leicestershire Police stated: 'An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is continuing.' A coroner has been notified, and an inquest is expected. Toxicology tests are underway to determine the exact cause of death.
A government spokesperson said: 'Any substance that poses a risk to public health or safety will be kept under review.'
