A wellness coach has died after allegedly trying a drug made from poisonous frog skin.
Cancer survivor Kristian Trend reportedly collapsed in his flat after taking the drug, known as ‘Kambo’, in a ‘cleansing ceremony’ last month.
The 40-year-old is believed to have taken the drug, made out of mucus extracted from the skin of the giant leaf frog, as part of a ‘purging’ ceremony.
The dangerous toxin is already banned in Australia, Brazil and Chile, but is still available for purchase legally in the UK.
Kristian’s mum, Angie, said her son was very spiritual and had reportedly told her he wanted to ‘cleanse himself’.
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‘He took a lot of vitamins. But I don’t know what happened,’ she told the Telegraph. ‘We haven’t had the test results back yet. I don’t know anything, and I don’t even think I want to know what happened. It won’t bring him back.’
Kristian had previously recovered from Burkitt lymphoma cancer, having endured a four-month stay in hospital.
He previously said of his cancer battle: ‘At 23, I was given up to six months to live without intensive treatment. A rare cancer diagnosis forced me to choose: live in fear, or surrender to a higher purpose.
‘After much travelling through India and Asia immersed in holistic wellness and meditation, the path became clear.’
He was rushed to hospital after he was found unwell in his home in Clarendon Park, Leicester, last month.
He later died in the hospital, and toxicology tests are currently underway. Another man, 41, has been arrested on suspicion of administering poison.
Leicestershire Police said: ‘An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is continuing.’
A UK government spokesperson said: ‘Any substance that poses a risk to public health or safety will be kept under review. We urge individuals to exercise caution when considering alternative therapies and to be aware of the potential risks involved.’
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