Crack down on magic mushrooms shops in Barrie

Psilocybin or mushrooms displayed in this file image.

The Barrie Police Drug Unit executed two warrants at magic mushroom shops Wednesday.

Both FunGuyz and Blaze have been illegally selling psilocybin seemingly under the radar for some time.

But they have not gone unnoticed by police and city hall staff.

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“Let me be clear, magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, is illegal in this country” said Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston.

“These businesses are operating outside the law, and as law enforcement, that’s something we cannot ignore. These investigations are about enforcing the law and holding operators accountable.

“Investigations such as these take time, but we remain committed to taking appropriate action to maintain public safety and community confidence.”

This bust comes less than a month after Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall spoke of shutting down illegal drug operations.

“We are going to shut down illegal drug dispensaries in the city of Barrie. If you run a mushroom shop, we are going to find a way to shut you down. If you run an illegal and unlicensed marijuana shop, we are coming for your store front.”

“Not only will authorities be targeting the operations, but also the building owners who are renting out to these types of stores,” Nuttall said on April 28.

Files by CTV NEWS BARRIE’s Jocelyn Martin