Nearly $500,000 in magic mushrooms found in Hamilton, Puslinch raids

Investigators discovered nearly $500,000 worth of magic mushrooms in several raids of clandestine labs.

York Police launched an investigation into local mushroom trafficking over the summer. This culminated in the raid of a small mushroom grow op in Whitchurch-Stouffville in August.

In this lab, the officers found evidence which led them to larger operations in Hamilton and Puslinch, a small community outside of Guelph. York Police raided two homes, one in each community.

In Hamilton, police found 100 pounds of mushrooms and an unspecified amount of cash. In Puslinch, they discovered a manufacturing site where traffickers are believed to grow the mushrooms for distribution across Ontario.

Police did not announce any arrests connected to the raids, though the investigation is still ongoing.

Anyone with information can call police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Investigators say this is among the largest magic mushroom busts in the 50-year history of York Police. The mushrooms contain the psychedelic psilocybin, which when ingested causes euphoria, visual and mental hallucinations, changes in perception, a distorted sense of time, and perceived spiritual experiences. However, they can also cause intense panic attacks and nausea.

They have been strictly regulated in Canada for decades, though in recent years there has been a push for more experimentation. Clinical trials indicated that mushrooms can be used in microdoses to treat depression and anxiety. In 2021, patients could apply for an exemption to possess the mushrooms.