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Turkish singer Yusuf Guney has been taken into police custody after allegedly promoting the use of “Ayahuasca tea” during an online broadcast. Authorities said his remarks were considered encouraging the use of a substance containing a controlled psychoactive compound.
According to Istanbul’s Narcotics Crimes Unit, Yusuf Guney participated in a program on a digital platform where he used language perceived as endorsing Ayahuasca tea.
Following a review of the broadcast, the police determined that the tea contains DMT (Dimethyltryptamine), a substance listed as illegal in Türkiye. The singer was detained as part of ongoing investigations.
Ayahuasca, originating from the Amazon region of South America, is a traditional brew that combines plants containing DMT with other vines that prevent the chemical from breaking down in the digestive system. This combination produces intense and long-lasting hallucinogenic effects, often described as altering consciousness for several hours. In recent years, the tea has gained attention in global media due to claims of spiritual exploration and alternative therapy.
Experts warn that Ayahuasca’s psychoactive effects can be powerful and unpredictable. While sometimes presented in wellness and spiritual contexts, its legal status varies widely across countries, and in Türkiye, substances containing DMT are strictly prohibited.
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