Psilocybin Mushroom Cultivation Arrest
November 28, 2024 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that in August of 2024, patrol deputies assigned to the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station responded to a business regarding a suspicious package. The package contained psylocibin mushrooms and marijuana products. Deputies processed the contents of the package and forwarded the investigation to the Lake Elsinore Special Enforcement Team (SET).
In November of 2024, SET deputies identified Jesse Arroyo, a 43-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore, as the subject who shipped the package to the business. Deputies identified Arroyo's place of residence and obtained a search warrant. With the assistance of the Riverside Sheriff's Special Enforcement Bureau, SET deputies served the search warrant and discovered a large-scale psilocybin mushroom cultivation operation. The property contained separate structures used for the cultivation, processing, and storage of large amounts of psilocybin mushrooms. The following evidence was located and seized:
Approximately 445 pounds of vacuum sealed psilocybin mushrooms.
About 2,805 bags containing psilocybin mushrooms in various stages of growth.
Two semi-automatic rifles (1 un-serialized)
Shotgun
Four semi-automatic handguns (2 un-serialized)
One semiautomatic handgun suppressor.
Two ballistic vests.
An estimated street value of $2,900,000.00 of psilocybin mushrooms was seized.
Jesse Arroyo was arrested and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center for multiple felony drug related offenses and felony weapons violations. This is an ongoing investigation and no further information will be released.
Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Garcia at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station at 951-245-3300.
Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Jarrod Meissen
File #L242180055
Source & photos: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office