St. Albert RCMP seized a batch of counterfeit magic mushrooms last week but some may have made it onto city streets.
Officers found a large quantity of capsules that were said to be containing psilocybin, the principal psychoactive component in magic mushrooms, but instead contained a mixture of dried generic mushrooms – ones that can be found at a grocery store – and a powder believed to be a dangerous psychedelic chemical.
The powder has not yet been identified, however RCMP warn it could have harmful effects on the user.
“We’re very concerned about what people might be taking,” said Cpl. Laurel Kading with St. Albert RCMP.
“It could be anything from LSD (acid), to an amphetamine derivative, to something that is going to have a hallucinogenic or psychedelic type of effect on people.”
RCMP warn the drug combination may make people very ill or have effects which are much more intense than the user might expect or be prepared for. The counterfeit magic mushrooms may also be sold in different forms, as psilocybin is found on the street as a white powder in tablets or in capsules.
The capsules were packaged similar to a pharmaceutical product and in quantities priced at $5 to $10. RCMP said the drug appeared to be marketed to young people such as students and young adults.
“People might have this at a party, as a dare, or on a whim,” added Kading. “You never know what you’re buying.”
Since the drug seizure is still under investigation, RCMP could not release details about on how many capsules were seized or how many could still be on city streets.
Kading said the drug investigation team does not believe this is an isolated incident.
“They think there is potential that there could be other people with the same product,” she stated.
St. Albert RCMP are cautioning the public about using illegal drugs as users do not know exactly what they are ingesting. People with information related to the drug seizure or any drug-related activity in St. Albert, can make an anonymous report to the drug tip line: 780-460-DRUG (3784).
