A 57-year-old Mississauga man faces criminal negligence causing death charges after an adult male from Waterloo Region died following a private ibogaine ceremony in Cambridge, Ontario.
The Waterloo Regional Police Service began its investigation on July 4, 2026, after learning the deceased had arranged to take part in what was described as a healing experience. During the ceremony, the man consumed ibogaine, a psychoactive substance extracted from the root bark of a Central West African shrub.
On July 30, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at a Mississauga residence and seized suspected ibogaine along with other powders, liquids, and capsules. Those items were submitted to Health Canada for analysis.
Luis Da Silva, 57, was arrested and charged with criminal negligence causing death and selling a prescription drug recklessly. Police say ibogaine is not authorized for use in Canada and is not an approved medical treatment. Health Canada has previously advised the public against using ibogaine after receiving reports of serious and fatal reactions.
Da Silva previously operated as “Bwiti Canada” and was charged by the Travel Industry Council of Ontario in January 2023 for operating as a travel agent without registration. He was convicted in December 2023 and fined $4,375 with two years of probation.
Waterloo Regional Police believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to contact investigators at 519-570-9777, extension 4496.
