Authorities in Riverside County have uncovered what they called a “large-scale psilocybin mushroom cultivation operation,” resulting in the arrest of a 43-year-old man.
Deputies assigned to the Riverside County Sheriff Department’s Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station responded in August to reports of a suspicious package at a business. Inside the package, authorities said, were psylocibin mushrooms and marijuana products.
This led to a months-long investigation, ultimately culminating in the identification of a suspect this month. Investigators identified Lake Elsinore resident Jesse Arroyo as the suspect and issued a search warrant for his home.
At the home, authorities discovered what they called a large-scale mushroom operation. The property had multiple structures for the cultivation, processing and storage of the mushrooms.
The following were seized during the search:
- Approximately 445 pounds of vacuum sealed psilocybin mushrooms
- About 2,805 bags containing psilocybin mushrooms in various stages of growth
- Two semi-automatic rifles (1 un-serialized)
- Shotgun
- Four semi-automatic handguns (2 un-serialized)
- One semiautomatic handgun suppressor
- Two ballistic vests
The street value of the mushrooms was estimated at $2,900,000.
Arroyo was arrested on suspicion of multiple felony drug related offenses and felony weapons violations.
No additional details were immediately made available.
Authorities in Riverside County have uncovered what they called a “large-scale psilocybin mushroom cultivation operation,” resulting in the arrest of a 43-year-old man. Deputies assigned to the Riverside County Sheriff Department’s Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station responded in August to reports of a suspicious package at a business. Inside the package, authorities said, were psylocibin mushrooms and […]