Illegal psilocybin dispensaries operate openly across the GTA, blatantly flouting the law
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A 36-year-old man faces a drug trafficking charge after cops raided an illegal magic mushroom shop in Steeltown.
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Hamilton Police say Major Drugs and Gangs Unit officers executed a search warrant at Shroomyz – a psilocybin dispensary located at 1353 Main St. E. – on Sept. 5.
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As a result of the investigation, a suspect was “arrested without incident,” police said in a statement Wednesday.
Michael Pinter is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking psilocybin (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act) and possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000.
“During the search, officers seized approximately 2,156 grams (2.156 kilos) of psilocybin products packaged for sale, along with $1,244.30 in Canadian currency believed to be proceeds of crime,” police alleged.
Police estimate the street value of the drugs at $12,440 based on posted retail prices.
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“The Hamilton Police Service remains committed to disrupting the illegal drug trade and protecting the safety of our community,” cops said.
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While cannabis was legalized in Canada for recreational use in 2018 after years of cops shutting down black market shops only to see them reopen almost immediately, magic mushrooms – containing psychoactive psilocybin and psilocin – remain illegal under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Yet there is no shortage of black market businesses operating openly across the GTA – and easy enough to find with a Google Maps search.
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Most magic mushroom shops even have websites you can visit to check out their products.
A package of dried mushrooms called Blue Meanies sells for $55, according to the Shroomyz website.
“Despite its name Blue Meanies offers euphoria, energy, visual stimulation, vibrations felt throughout the body and strong feelings of connectedness,” reads the online description of the product.
Shroomyz, like most other magic mushroom shops, also sells psilocybin in capsules and gummies in an assortment of fruity flavours.
Anyone with information related to drug activity in Hamilton is asked to contact the Major Drugs and Gang Unit at vicedrug@hamiltonpolice.ca or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
cdoucette@postmedia.com
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