Nacho Vidal, a specter of a human both fascinating and unnerving, has been arrested for his alleged involvement with the poisoning and subsequent death of prestigious fashion photographer, Jose Luis Abad.

Abad died at Vidal’s country house in Enguera, located in the Valencia region of Spain, in July of 2019.

During an allegedly therapeutic ritual occurring on the morning of July 28, Abad inhaled venom from a Bufo alvarius, a type of toad. The venom is known to have psychedelic effects. In fact, Bufo “toad medicine” (as it’s referred) is thought by some to have therapeutic potential and may be used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety and opioid addiction — though none of this has been verified by any known reliable medical testing.

Bufo is also known to be physiologically risky. The combined effects of 5-MeO-DMT — a naturally occurring entheogen found in several species of plant, as well as in the venom of the Bufo — and Bufotenin — a tryptamine derivative related to serotonin — can be very intense. The poison from the toad is even known as the “God molecule” due to its power. But, when combined with additional medications, Bufo can be fatal.

Abad suffered a stroke after inhaling the Bufo venom last July and was dead within minutes. His death was initially attributed to a heart attack, but police opened an investigation that led to Vidal’s arrest last week, as well as the arrests of one family member and an employee. All are suspected of manslaughter.

According to investigators, Vidal and the others present did nothing to help Abad as he suffered seizures and eventually died.

Reports indicate that Vidal practiced mystical rituals regularly. He claims he carried out this specific ritual as a favor to Abad and that he himself had taken Bufo previously with no issue.

Image of Nacho Vidal via Instagram here. Image of Bufo alvarius by Gene Zorkin.