In July of 2023, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Street Crime Detectives assigned to 1 District (St. Catharines / Thorold) commenced an investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs throughout the City of St. Catharines.
On August 2nd, 2023, detectives received judicial authorization to execute a search warrant at Fun Guyz, a commercial business located on St. Paul Street between Queen Street and William Street, in the City of St. Catharines. As a result of the investigation one suspect, who was an employee at the store was arrested. In total, detectives recovered 2,119 grams of suspected psilocybin. The estimated value of the seized psilocybin is $21,190. In addition, detectives also seized $1,555 of Canadian currency.
Carli Dawn Alicia SUMMERS (31 years) of St. Catharines has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
• Possession of Psilocybin for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Trafficking Psilocybin
SUMMERS was released from custody on a Form 10 Undertaking. She is scheduled to attend the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines on September 14th, 2023.
The Government of Canada defines psilocybin as the following:
“Magic mushrooms” are mushrooms that contain hallucinogens – usually psilocybin and psilocin. Taking magic mushrooms may cause you to see, hear or feel things that are not there, or to experience anxiety, fear, nausea, and muscle twitches accompanied by increased heart rate and blood pressure. In some cases, the consumption of magic mushrooms can lead to “bad trips” or “flashbacks.” Psilocybin is a hallucinogen that produce effects similar to LSD. Individuals using magic mushrooms experience hallucinations and an altered state of consciousness. Effects appear within 15-45 minutes and usually last for four to six hours. Psilocybin is produced and sold illegally as a powder or in tablets or capsules. Drugs produced illegally are not tested and may contain other dangerous substances.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, dial option #3, extension #1009667.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
Incident #23-85176
Government of Canada Reference – Click Here