Riverside County authorities uncovered a so-called “large-scale psilocybin mushroom cultivation operation” that resulted in the arrest of a 43-year-old man.
Deputies assigned to the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Office of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a suspicious package at a business in August. Authorities said the package contained psilocybin mushrooms and marijuana products.
This led to a months-long investigation that ultimately led to the identification of the suspect this month. Investigators identified Lake Elsinore resident Jesse Arroyo as the suspect and executed a search warrant for his home.
Authorities discovered what they called a large-scale mushroom operation at the home. The property included multiple structures for growing, processing, and storing mushrooms.
The following items were seized during the search:
Approximately 445 pounds of vacuum-sealed psilocybin mushrooms Approximately 2,805 bags containing psilocybin mushrooms in various stages of growth 2 semi-automatic rifles (1 unserialized) Shotguns 4 semi-automatic handguns (2 unserialized) Semi-automatic handgun suppressors 1 piece Ballistic vest 2 pieces Authorities Riverside County police seized nearly $3 million in firearms and illegal mushrooms from a Lake Elsinore property. (Riverside County Sheriff’s Department)
The street value of the mushrooms was estimated at $2.9 million.
Arroyo was arrested on suspicion of multiple drug-related felonies and felony weapons violations.
Additional details were not immediately released.
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