Operation Psychosis was conducted by the Civil Police of the Federal District to dismantle a criminal network responsible for the production of a substance found in hallucinogenic mushrooms, known as psilocybin. The group utilized digital marketing and partnerships with influencers to enhance drug sales, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals. The operation took place on Wednesday, leading to the arrest of nine people involved in the production, commercialization, and distribution of psilocybin-infused mushrooms.
A total of 19 search and seizure warrants were executed, along with the freezing of bank accounts and financial assets linked to the suspects. Websites and social media profiles utilized by the criminal organization were also suspended. The group is also under investigation for environmental crimes against public health and money laundering. The investigations began by monitoring social media and websites advertising drug sales.
Suspects used Instagram pages to attract potential buyers, redirecting them to websites and messaging app groups for negotiations. The organization operated in the Federal District, Paraná, and Santa Catarina, producing the substance on a large scale to supply consumers and traffickers across different states. During Operation Psychosis, cultivation sites were discovered, equipment and vehicles were seized, and illegal collaborations involving public agents were identified to support criminal activities.
The scheme was found to handle significant sums of money, pricing the substance from R$84.99 for three grams to R$9,200 for a kilogram. To evade scrutiny, the network utilized delivery companies in a dropshipping-like model, where orders placed with one company were fulfilled by another. A total of 3,718 postal orders were identified, amounting to approximately 1.5 tons of drugs shipped nationwide.
Furthermore, the criminal structure used front companies registered in the food sector for money laundering, investing heavily in digital marketing to reach a young audience and attendees of electronic music festivals. Platforms employed visual appeal, paid social media boosting, and partnerships with influencers and DJs. Products were also promoted at fairs and events, attempting to associate the narcotics with unsubstantiated health benefits.
The individuals involved may face charges of aggravated drug trafficking, money laundering, criminal association, environmental crimes, crimes against public health, abusive advertising, and charlatanism. Leaders could receive up to 53 years in prison. Side Effects: In an interview with CNN, Civil Police delegate Waldek Fachinelli discussed the effects, harms, and side effects of hallucinogenic mushroom use. Among the various effects are psychosis, mental disorders, disconnection from reality, and paranoia. Additionally, there are many reports of spontaneous recurrence of the drug’s effects years later, potentially putting the individual at risk or in embarrassing situations.
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