Pubdate: Thu, 25 Apr 2002
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2002 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Peter Smith

MUSHROOM BUST MAGICAL

City cops have smashed what's thought to be the biggest magic mushroom grow 
and trafficking operation in Calgary's history.

Officers from District 2 backed up by the drug unit raided a home on 
Prominence Path N.W. yesterday after receiving a tip, where they seized 865 
bags of psilocybin, or magic mushrooms.

"These mushrooms were growing on a sophisticated rack system inside the 
master bedroom," said Det. Ryan Dobson. "This was an aggressive operation, 
and we conservatively estimate the value of the magic mushrooms at $300,000.

"It's possible if the bags we seized produced more of the drug, the street 
value could be double that."

Police know the growers were making plans for the future, which have now 
been wrecked.

"We also found approximately 75 large jars of mushroom spores in the 
basement, which were to be used to start another crop," said Dobson. Magic 
mushrooms are fungi which produce hallucinogenic effects when eaten.

Robert Douglas Redfern, 35, is charged with cultivation of magic mushrooms 
and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
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MAP posted-by: Beth