GhLinks Media
Westen Soule, a 21-year-old man from Burlington, Connecticut, is facing drug factory charges after detectives raided his home and found a clandestine psilocybin mushroom growing operation worth an estimated $8.5 million.
Westen Soule was arrested on Thursday after police received a tip that he was growing psychedelic mushrooms at his home on Lyon Road.
When they arrived, they saw ventilation equipment throughout the residence that is consistent with that used in clandestine laboratories.
Soule accompanied investigators to a detached garage on the property where detectives spotted a large mushroom growing operation.
During interactions with investigators, Soule claimed that the type of mushrooms he was growing was not illegal.
When asked about activities inside of the main residence, Soule did not consent to a search of the residence.
Detectives then submitted a search warrant to New Britain Superior Court, which was granted.
Upon serving the search warrant at Soule’s residence, investigators said they found a clandestine mushroom-growing factory within.
It contained psilocybin mushrooms in various stages of growth, with an estimated total street value of $8.5 million.
Soule admitted to investigators that the mushrooms were in fact psilocybin, which is labeled as a “schedule 1″ controlled substance. State police said a schedule 1 controlled substance is defined as drugs, substances and chemicals that are not currently accepted for medical use and have a high potential for abuse.
Based upon the information obtained during the investigation, Soule was taken into custody at the scene and taken to state police headquarters in Litchfield where he was processed and charged.
Soule was held on a $250,000 cash/surety bond and was scheduled for arraignment at New Britain Superior Court on Friday.
