By SDCN Editor
Fallbrook, CA–A man is facing multiple charges after authorities uncovered a mushroom grow operation in Fallbrook and Bonsall, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said.
On October 4, just after 9 a.m., deputies executed a warrant at a business in the 200 block of West Ash Street in Fallbrook, and at a residence in the 1600 block of West Lilac Road in Bonsall. The warrant service was part of an ongoing drug investigation, led by the Crime Suppression Team from the Fallbrook Sheriff’s Substation and detectives from the Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team.
At both locations, deputies discovered an illegal psilocybin mushroom production and distribution operation. Psilocybin, the active compound in “magic mushrooms,” is classified as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical use in the U.S. Possession and sales of the substance is prohibited by state and federal laws.
Authorities seized two rifles, four handguns, over 250 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms, 40 pounds of psilocybin-infused chocolate, Ecstasy, LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), and suspected Ketamine. The total street value of the drugs was estimated to exceed $200,000.
Randal Scott Vance, 41 was arrested on felony charges, including child endangerment, possession, production, and transportation of controlled substances with intent to sell, violations of health codes, and being armed during drug offenses.
Two children, aged 10 and 12, who were present in the home, were placed in the care of their mother, who shares joint custody. Per the policy of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, the identities of minors in protective custody were not disclosed.