A man has been charged with manslaughter five years after a man died on a spiritual retreat in the NSW Northern Rivers region.
Police were called to a property on Gonpa Road at Collins Creek around 12.40am on October 17, 2021 following reports a man had collapsed.
Paramedics assisted the 47-year-old man at the scene, however, he could not be revived.
Officers attended and commenced an extensive investigation into the man’s death.
“Subsequent inquiries revealed that a ceremonial ritual had been held at the property allegedly involving natural prohibited substances, known as Kambo and Ayahuasca,” NSW Police said.
As a result, a 52-year-old man was arrested in Coorabell about 10am on Tuesday March 3.
He was taken to Byron Bay Police Station where he was charged with manslaughter.
“Police will allege in court that the man supplied the 47-year-old man with Ayahuasca while hosting a retreat at the property and delayed seeking medical treatment when the man’s health deteriorated”.
The man was granted conditional bail to appear before Lismore Local Court on March 30.
