UMVA has learned that Kristian Trend, a 41‑year‑old British man, became the first victim of a fatal Kambo poisoning in the United Kingdom.
Kristian, a former Burkitt lymphoma survivor, had endured a grueling four‑month hospital stay at 23 and was determined to pursue a life of spiritual cleansing. He shared an Instagram video earlier this year, declaring that the rare cancer diagnosis forced him to choose between living in fear or surrendering to a higher purpose.
His mother, Mrs Flood, spoke of the unimaginable pain: “It was the worst part. He was in hospital for four months and got through that, and for this to happen is just awful.” She added that the tragedy struck a week after his birthday, a time she had spent buying presents for her son.
According to information obtained by UMVA, a 41‑year‑old man was arrested on suspicion of administering poison following Kristian’s death and was released on bail. Police are still investigating the suspected poisoning.
Health experts have warned that Kambo, a substance extracted from the skin of an Amazonian tree frog, can trigger severe side effects such as hypotension, vomiting, kidney failure, and psychosis. The treatment has been banned in several countries, including Australia, Brazil, and Chile.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that MPs and public figures are now calling for Kambo to be outlawed in the UK, citing its proven dangers and the lack of clinical evidence supporting its therapeutic claims.
The British Complementary Medicine Association urges people to verify the qualifications of therapists before entrusting them with any treatment, reminding that one must check registration, credentials, and insurance just as one would with a medical doctor.
In a statement released after the incident, a company that offers weekly Kambo group detox ceremonies in the UK expressed deep sadness and stressed that safety must be a top priority, insisting that proper screening and supervision are essential.
Mrs Flood, who has expressed a desire to see Kambo banned, said she has no fight left for the cause, yet her heartbreak is palpable as she reflects on the future, knowing that this tragedy may not disappear anytime soon.
