Mairinque authorities shut down clandestine rehabilitation clinic

Authorities in Mairinque, Brazil, have uncovered a clandestine rehabilitation clinic operating on a farm. Following alerts from the São Roque Health Department, sanitary inspectors and social workers discovered approximately 12 individuals being held at the facility.

Inspectors reported instances of mistreatment, inadequate hygiene, poor nutrition, and substandard housing. Residents also alleged they were restricted from contacting family members or leaving the property. During the inspection, officials seized syringes, an airsoft weapon, and various medications, including expired doses of quetiapine.

The property owner, who claimed to have provided chemical dependency support for 32 years, described the site as a “therapeutic house” and asserted that all residents were there voluntarily. However, the Civil Police are investigating allegations of physical abuse after one resident was found with injuries. The case has been registered as the illegal exercise of a profession or activity.