Over $63,000 in magic mushrooms seized in Richmond Hill

Two people were arrested after over $63,000 worth of magic mushrooms and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) were seized from an illegal shop in Richmond Hill.

York Regional Police launched an investigation into the “FunGuyz Magic Mushrooms” store on Yonge Street and Centre Street in March 2024, following community members’ complaints.

Two people were arrested and identified as 26-year-old Shaniece Peters of Toronto and 23-year-old Michal Goldenberg of Vaughan. Both were charged with trafficking a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Authorities seized just over 2,400 grams of magic mushrooms, just under 5,000 magic mushroom capsules, over 350 magic mushroom edibles, 20 DMT vapes, over 2,600 magic mushroom pills and just under $5,000 in Canadian currency.

The production, sale and possession of magic mushrooms (psilocybin) and DMT, also a psychedelic drug, are illegal in Canada. A York Regional Police spokesperson said stores in Ontario are prohibited from selling these controlled substances.

“Magic mushrooms and DMT sold to the community from this business are not subject to any government quality control measures,” a police spokesperson wrote in a news release.

The investigation is ongoing.

The effects of psilocybin can vary widely depending on factors such as dosage, a person’s mindset and their environment while on the drugs.

Common effects include altered perception of time, sensory enhancement, synesthesia (mixing of sensory experiences), ego dissolution (loss of the sense of self), and profound mystical or spiritual experiences.