Barrie police shut down illegal magic mushroom shops on Dunlop Street

Police shut down two illegal psilocybin shops operating on Dunlop Street in Barrie, Ont. (Barrie Police Services)

Police in Barrie say they shut down two illegal storefronts openly selling psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, in two days.

On Friday, police say members of the Barrie Police Service Drug Unit executed a search warrant at a shop on Dunlop Street, seizing a variety of illegal products and laying several drug-related charges.

The day before, police say they attended another psilocybin location on the same street as the locks were changed and signage removed. Police say officers were there to ensure the illegal business had effectively closed.

Barrie police say they are working with the City and both provincial and federal authorities to remove illegal psilocybin shops from the community.

Magic mushrooms, which contain the hallucinogenic substance psilocybin, are currently illegal to sell or possess in Canada outside of specific medical or research contexts.

“We recognize that the community is concerned with the implications of these storefronts, and the Barrie Police Service is committed to ensuring that our downtown core remains a safe and welcoming place for all members of our community,” stated Police Chief Rich Johnston.

Police say when these stores open, they immediately begin the process of investigating, seizing illegal substances, and laying charges. They also warned that property owners who rent space to illegal businesses could face legal consequences, including criminal charges.

“With the support of the Barrie Police Service Board, and the City, we have made it a priority to close down these shops, and work towards eradicating them from our community,” Johnston added.