# Spanish national investigation in Bulgaria > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-national-investigation-in-bulgaria > Updated: 2026-10-08T09:03:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Bulgarian authorities, including the State Agency for National Security (DANS) and local police, launched an investigation into a spiritual community near Kalofere following a raid on September 26. The operation targeted Jose Manuel Giamon Nicolas, a 58-year-old Spanish national known as a “shaman” who allegedly led followers through psychological manipulation by claiming to be a “mediator with higher spirits.” During the raid, officials seized various substances, including cacti, mushrooms, and unidentified liquids, which are undergoing analysis to determine if they contain psychoactive components. Investigators have questioned 14 Bulgarian citizens linked to the group. While the Plovdiv District Court initially reviewed requests for permanent arrest, the Appellate Court later released Nicolas on a bail of 15,000 euros. The court determined that pretrial detention was no longer necessary as there was no immediate risk of further crimes. Nicolas denies all criminal wrongdoing and has expressed his intention to remain in Bulgaria to care for the site and its members. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-08: Spanish shaman released on bail in Plovdiv drug investigation A Plovdiv court has released Spanish shaman Jose Manuel Giamon Nicolas on 15,000 euro bail following an investigation into psychoactive substances found at his spiritual community near Kalofere. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-shaman-released-on-bail-in-plovdiv-drug-investigation ### 2026-09-30: Spanish national detained near Kalofere on narcotics charges A Spanish national facing charges for distributing high-risk narcotics has been detained near Kalofere, Bulgaria, following a DANS operation involving psychoactive plants and psychological manipulation. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-national-detained-near-kalofere-on-narcotics-charges --- Cite as: Spanish national investigation in Bulgaria. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-national-investigation-in-bulgaria