Law enforcement officers in Connecticut conducted a raid on a suburban home in Burlington on November 2nd, where they uncovered a sophisticated "magic mushroom factory" worth millions of dollars.
The discovery was made following an anonymous tip that led the police to the residence of Westen Soule, according to Connecticut State Police.
Upon arriving at Soule's home, officers noticed ventilation equipment commonly used in clandestine labs, raising suspicions. Further investigation led detectives to a detached garage on Soule's property, where they stumbled upon an elaborate setup for growing psychedelic mushrooms. Connecticut State Police estimated the operation to be worth around $8.5 million, with psychedelic mushrooms in various stages of growth.
Authorities reported that Soule attempted to prevent detectives from entering his home, which resulted in the execution of search warrants. During the search, officers seized a significant quantity of psychedelic mushrooms, scientifically known as psilocybin, commonly referred to as "magic mushrooms." These substances, which resemble ordinary mushrooms, have the potential to affect a person's senses, thoughts, and emotions, often leading to hallucinations.
Photographs released by the Connecticut State Police depicted the alleged operation, showcasing metal shelves filled with oversized bags of mushrooms stacked from floor to ceiling, occupying multiple rooms in the residence.
A recent study conducted in 2022 suggested that psychedelics, including psilocybin, can be utilized as an effective treatment for depression. Initially, Soule denied the illegality of the mushrooms, but later confessed after authorities discovered his operation.
As a result, he was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell/distribute narcotics and operation of a drug factory. Soule is currently being held on a $250,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on November 16th in New Britain Superior Court, according to Connecticut State Police.
Login