A Broomfield resident, Ameen Alai, also known as Adam Powars, has been sentenced to 48 months in prison after pleading guilty to distributing ibogaine, a psychedelic compound classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States. Ibogaine is derived from the root of the Tabernanthe iboga plant and is not recognized for medical use due to its high potential for abuse.
According to court documents, between April 2019 and March 2021, Alai promoted ibogaine as a way to “reset” the body’s receptors and help break addictive behaviors. In March 2021, he distributed at least one dose of ibogaine to an individual in Broomfield and supervised its use. He left the person unattended for some time; upon returning, he found them unresponsive. The individual later died. During sentencing, the court determined that the ibogaine provided by Alai caused this death.
“As the tragic results of Mr. Alai’s conduct make clear, ibogaine is dangerous,” said United States Attorney Peter McNeilly. “We want the public to know that, like many of the more well-known drugs in our community, taking ibogaine can have deadly consequences.”
DEA Rocky Mountain Special Agent in Charge David S. Olesky commented on the case: “This sentence underscores the devastating impact of illegal drug trafficking while also serving as a reminder that those who profit from poisoning our communities will be held accountable for the lives lost to their actions. Make no mistake, if someone knowingly and intentionally distributes a controlled substance that results in death, we will seek justice.”
The case was presided over by United States District Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney. The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with prosecution by Assistant United States Attorneys Alyssa C. Mance and Michael F. Houlihan.
Case Number: 22-cr-00339-CNS
