"The arrested cult leader is accused of controlling his followers using home-made elixirs containing mercury."."

InMurcia, in southeastern Spain, Spanish police arrested the leader of a cult who called himself "Absolute Advantage," suspected of doping his followers with solutions containing health-hazardous mercury.

50-year-old Jose Manuel Canovas was arrested on Wednesday following a raid on his 24-acre property in the city ofMurcia, local media reports. The head of the Mahasandhi Foundation is accused of producing a substance he referred to as "purified mercury" with the aim of controlling the minds of his followers, police stated.

"Using various methods of control, including the use of psychoactive substances that are harmful to health, he sought to manipulate the will of his followers in order to gain power over them and financial benefit," stated the national police of Spain.

Canovas, who claimed that his medicine has rejuvenating effects, is accused of distributing this remedy among members of the foundation, as well as selling it online and in herbal shops. According to the police, some of his followers have begun to show symptoms of mercury poisoning, including muscle weakness, memory problems, and difficulties with speech, hearing, or vision.

During a search of Canovas' property, the police discovered 400 pounds of highly toxic metal. The police also reported the presence of mercury residues in the septic systems on the property.

During the arrest, the police reported that Canovas had taken a vow of silence and would communicate with law enforcement only through writing on a board. Canovas had been managing his so-called Buddhist sect in the area for 15 years. According to the police, it is unclear how many members he gathered, but many women severed ties with their families to join the sect.

Kanovasa is now facing numerous accusations, including crimes against public health, morality, and illegal association.