http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/programs/forensicsci/microgram/bulletins_index.html
JANUARY 2005
SUSPECTED PSILOCYBE MUSHROOM SPORES IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN
The DEA North Central Laboratory (Chicago, Illinois) recently received three
glass vials containing a clear solution, suspected Psilocybe mushroom spores in
water. The exhibits were originally contained in three syringes, and were
purchased in Detroit, Michigan by agents from the DEA Detroit Division (details
withheld in accordance with Microgram policy). The total net weight and volume
of the samples was 35.9 grams (40.0 milliliters).
A growth cycle was initiated for all three samples in order to determine
whether or not Psilocybe mushrooms could be produced. A standard underground
procedure was used (obtained from an Internet site; details withheld in
accordance with Microgram policy). Mycelium growth was observed after about 3
weeks; however, only two small mushrooms grew (which were harvested after 78
days). Analysis of methanolic extracts of the two mushrooms by GC/MS indicated
no controlled substances, suggesting that the mushrooms were not Psilocybe
mushrooms. It is unclear whether the sale was a scam, or if the solution was
contaminated during the transfer from the syringes to the vials, or if there
was some other unknown problem with the solution or cultivation procedures.
This is the first time that a mushroom grow has been performed at the North Central
Laboratory.
JULY 2004
SUSPECTED PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOM CULTIVATION OPERATION SEIZED
[IN ESPANOLA, NEW MEXICO]
[From the NDIC Narcotics Digest Weekly 2004;3(26):2
Unclassified, Reprinted with Permission.]
On May 17, 2004, New Mexico State Police narcotics agents seized a suspected
psilocybin mushroom cultivation operation located in an Espanola residence. The
mushroom grow operation was uncovered during the execution of a search warrant
issued in connection with the investigation of a suspected cocaine distributor.
A male occupant of the residence, who was the target of the cocaine
investigation, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for methamphetamine
production in Farmington and subsequently admitted to operating the mushroom
grow site. The grow was located in a bedroom within the residence. Mushroom
cultures were placed in glass jars containing rice and placed in three separate
refrigerators in the bedroom. The refrigerators were covered with a plastic
tent and equipped with a humidifier to aid growth. Over 500 jars of cultures
and mushrooms were seized.
NDIC Comment: Psilocybin mushrooms contain psilocybin, a Schedule I controlled
substance that may induce hallucinations. Psilocybin mushrooms often are
available at raves, dance clubs, and college campuses and are most commonly
abused by teenagers and young adults. While seizures of personal use amounts
(usually one quarter ounce quantities) of psilocybin mushrooms are common in
northern New Mexico, a seizure of this magnitude is extremely rare and
represents the first large scale production site seized in the area.
Additionally, this case demonstrates a trend toward polydrug distribution. The
defendant, whose illegal activities allegedly included cocaine distribution,
methamphetamine production, and mushroom cultivation, is one of an increasing
number of drug traffickers who distribute more than one drug.
JUNE 2004
- INTELLIGENCE ALERT -
70,000 PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOM/CHOCOLATE
CANDIES SEIZED NEAR AMARILLO, TEXAS
The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory Service in Amarillo
(Amarillo, Texas) recently received a submission of approximately 70,000
chocolate candies (total net mass 154 kilograms), suspected psilocybin
mushroom/chocolate concoctions. The exhibits were seized
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
by the Texas State Highway Patrol pursuant to a vehicle stop on I-40, just west
of Amarillo (the vehicle was travelling from California to Tennessee). The
candies were being stored in the vehicle’s trunk in trash bags, under what
appeared to be a space blanket, and were furthermore being cooled by dry ice
(see Photos 1 and 2). There were two, rather indistinct designs - a fish, and a
cameo (see Photos 3 and 4). Microscopic examination of a crushed sample
revealed a large amount of finely ground, mushroom-like material mixed into the
chocolate. Analysis of this material by TLC, UV, and GC/MS confirmed psilocin
(quantitation not performed). This was the laboratory’s first encounter with
psilocybin mushroom/chocolate candies, and in fact was the first encounter with
any adulterated form of psilocybin mushrooms. The laboratory’s largest previous
submission of psilocybin mushrooms was just over seven kilograms.
[Editor’s Notes: This appears to be the largest seizure of psilocybin
mushroom/chocolate concoctions ever reported. The phenomenon of psilocybin
mushroom/chocolate concoctions was discussed at length in the June, 2003 issue
of Microgram Bulletin (with additional reports also being published in the May,
August, and October 2003 issues of Microgram Bulletin). A specialized forensic
analysis for these concoctions was published in Microgram Journal
2003;1(3-4):177.]
APRIL 2004
PERUVIAN TORCH OR SAN PEDRO CACTI IN WISCONSIN
Photo 19
Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory-Madison (Madison, Wisconsin) recently received
two separate submissions of plant material having the physical appearance of
sliced and dried cucumbers, suspected Peruvian Torch cacti (total net mass
1,030 grams) and psilocybe mushrooms (total net mass 18 grams), respectively (law
enforcement organization, location, and circumstances of seizures not
provided). The “mushrooms” were quickly recognized as actually being either
Peruvian Torch or San Pedro cacti. These cacti are tubular-type plants from
South America that contain mescaline. When harvested, spines are removed from
the tubers, which are then sliced into disks and dried, giving them the
appearance of dried cucumbers with green edges (see Photo 19). Following an
acid-base extraction workup, analysis by GC/MS confirmed mescaline in both
exhibits (quantitation not performed). These were the first known submissions
of these type cacti to the laboratory.
MAY 2003
HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE CONTAINING PSILOCIN/PSILOCYBIN
IN NORTH RIDGEFIELD, OHIO
Photo 6
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation Laboratory
(Richfield, Ohio) recently received eight pieces of homemade chocolate
containing suspected psilocybin mushrooms (total net mass 145.76 grams; see
Photo 6. Note that the four displayed pieces in the photo were split from one
of the original eight pieces. The original pieces had shapes that suggested
they were originally molded in an ice-cube tray) The exhibits were seized by
the North Ridgeville Police Department, and were associated with an upcoming
concert in the area. Inspection of each piece revealed the presence of
vegetable matter (see photo), which was separated by particle-picking. Analysis
of a methanol extract by TLC and GC/MS confirmed the presence of psilocin and
psilocybin. This is the first submission of this type to this laboratory;
however, a second submission containing over 150 similar homemade chocolate
bars with suspected psilocin/psilocybin mushrooms was subsequently submitted;
this latter seizure was made in Solon, Ohio and was also associated with the
referenced concert.
June 2003
"HOMEMADE" CHOCOLATES CONTAINING PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOMS
APPEARING ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
Editor's Preface: In April and May 2003, the DEA Office of Forensic Sciences
received multiple reports of homemade chocolates containing ground-up
psilocybin mushroom parts. Three of the reports were from State and Local
forensic laboratories and/or police departments in Ohio, Oregon, and Rhode
Island. The fourth was reported by the DEA Mid-Atlantic Laboratory (Largo,
Maryland), and was seized in Virginia. Additionally, a similar report
concerning a seizure in Vail, Colorado was published in the National Drug
Intelligence Center's (NDIC's) April 29, 2003 issue of the Narcotics Digest
Weekly. The NDIC report also included a summary brief of a number of similar
seizures dating back as far as two years.
In several cases, the seizures were multi-kilo. There were two common elements
among most of the seizures: First, the chocolates all appeared to have been
made from molds - in several cases, using candy molds, and in other cases
apparently using ice-cube trays (and the seizure in Virginia was received in an
ice-cube tray). In addition, in several cases, the chocolates were wrapped in
colored foil.
These reports are the first seen by the Office of Forensic Sciences. As noted
above, however, the NDIC report indicates that similar exhibits were seized in
the Vail, Colorado area as long as two years ago, and furthermore refers to
additional seizures made in Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, Oregon, West
Virginia, and Wisconsin since the initial seizure in Vail. The NDIC brief also
indicates that the source may be "psilocybin mushroom cultivators in
Oregon and Washington who transport the drug via package delivery
services", and reported the seizures of over 250 pounds of material in
nine incidents by an airport interdiction team in Portland, Oregon. The above
referenced report from the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory in Portland
confirmed five such seizures since October 2002 (probably included in the NDIC
total).
The first report of these chocolates (from North Ridgefield, Ohio) in Microgram
Bulletin was reported in the May 2003 issue. The other three referenced
seizures (or sets of seizures) are reported below. The above referenced
intelligence brief from the Narcotics Digest Weekly is also reproduced below.
RESPONSES REQUESTED: The widespread appearances, seizure amounts, and
similarities of preparation (candy molds or ice cube trays) and sales packaging
(wrapping in colored foil), suggest the possibility of a common source (or a
loose confederation of sources) and a nationwide distribution network. The DEA
Dangerous Drugs Strategic Intelligence Unit (NTSG) and the National Drug
Intelligence Center (NDIC) are both interested in this issue. Subscribers are
asked to forward details to NTSG by FAX to 202/307-7916, Attn: J. Hines; and to
NDIC by email to < ronald.strong2@usdoj.gov
IN PORTLAND, OREGON
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
[Summary Report] Beginning in October 2002, the Oregon State Police Forensic
Lab in Portland, Oregon received four separate submissions of chocolate candies
containing ground psilocybin mushrooms from the Portland Airport Interagency
Narcotics Team (PAINT). The candies were molded into various shapes, including
eggs, butterflies, bugs, Halloween-theme designs, and Reese's-type cups, and
arrived wrapped in metallic foils of assorted colors (see Photos 1 - 2). In all
four cases, the concoctions were being shipped via Federal Express to locations
nationwide. In the largest case, the total net weight of the concoctions
exceeded 11 kilograms. A later submission contained nearly 5 kilograms of
finely ground mushroom material (see Photo 3), and also included the food
processor used for grinding the mushrooms.
Under magnification, grey flakes were visible throughout the chocolate matrix
on all exhibits. Samples were analyzed as follows: The concoctions were
crushed, soaked in dilute sulfuric acid, and washed with chloroform (to remove
some of the fatty components). The acidic layer was isolated, basified with
aqueous NaOH to pH 10, and extracted with chloroform. Analysis of the extract
by GC/MS indicated caffeine (from the chocolate) and confirmed psilocin. UV
spectrophotometry on the final chloroform extract displayed a broad absorption
in the region consistent with psilocin/psilocybin, but it was too similar to
the UV from a blank chocolate extract to be considered conclusive. A second
analysis was conducted by particle-picking specks of the mushroom material from
the concoctions (see Photo 4), adding fresh Weber's color test reagent to them,
and noting a color change from red to blue upon addition of a drop of
concentrated HCl (positive for psilocin). Quantitation was not performed on any
of the exhibits.
[Editor's Notes: According to the submitter, the relative percentage of
mushrooms varied significantly between seizures; this indicates poor
"quality control" and the potential for overdosing. Additionally, the
submitter indicated that a subsequent (fifth) case was seized from a UPS
package; this confirms that any parcel delivery service may be utilized for
shipment. The latter case was handled by the Portland Police Department (no
further information).]
IN SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RHODE ISLAND
The Drug Chemistry Section of the Rhode Island State Forensic Laboratory
(Providence, Rhode Island) recently received a submission of two pieces of
chocolate "candy" reported to contain psilocin (See Photos 5 and 6).
The exhibits were seized in South Kingstown by the South Kingstown Police
Department from an individual who was trying to sell them to students at a
local public school. The chocolates weighed 16 grams each, and were
individually wrapped in colored foil (see upper right quadrant of Photo 5).
After cutting the pieces in half, visual inspection confirmed that small pieces
of (presumed) mushroom pieces were mixed into the chocolate (see Photo 6). The
mixtures were otherwise homogenous, suggesting that the mushroom pieces had
been mixed with hot, liquified chocolate, and the resulting concoction allowed
to harden in some type of mold (possibly an ice cube tray). Analysis of a 6%
acetic acid/chloroform extract by GC/MS and UV confirmed psilocin (quantitation
was not performed). This is the first time the laboratory has received a
submission of this type.
Photo 5
Photo 6
IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
Photo 7
The DEA Mid-Atlantic Laboratory (Largo, Maryland) recently received an unusual
exhibit consisting of one 14-section plastic ice cube tray with each
compartment containing a cube of hardened mixture of chocolate and plant
material, suspected containing psilocybin mushrooms (see Photo 7). The exhibit
(total net mass 354.2 grams) was seized from a residence in Richmond, Virginia
by agents from the DEA Richmond District Office, and was ancillary to an MDMA
seizure. Analysis by GC/MS confirmed psilocin (quantitation was not performed).
The exhibit was unusual in that the relative percentage of mushroom material to
chocolate was quite high, varying between 10 and 20 percent by volume, and the
mushrooms were also "sandwiched" between two layers of chocolate, not
evenly distributed. In addition, the chocolate was a much lighter color than
"normal" chocolate (see Photo); it was unclear whether this was due
to the method of preparation, or if a lighter colored variety of chocolate was
used. This was the first submission of a chocolate/psilocybin mushroom
concoction to the Mid-Atlantic Laboratory.
[Editor's Notes: According to the Case Agent, the perpetrators in this case
were making the concoction themselves, not receiving it from an outside source.
The mushrooms were allegedly provided by a relative in New England.]
IN VAIL, COLORADO
From the April 29, 2003 issue of the Narcotics Digest Weekly
(Reprinted with Permission)
Colorado: The Vail Police Department reports that local independent dealers
increasingly are distributing chocolate-coated psilocybin mushrooms wrapped in
multicolored foil--a practice that was first reported in the Vail area
approximately 18 to 24 months ago. The chocolate-coated psilocybin mushrooms
typically are distributed at area concerts and private parties for $10 per
1-inch cube. Police officials believe that distributors are supplied by
psilocybin mushroom cultivators in Oregon and Washington who transport the drug
via package delivery services.
NDIC Comment: Coating psilocybin mushrooms in chocolate provides traffickers
with an effective method of concealment and enables abusers to ingest the drug
in public settings. Law enforcement reporting indicates that chocolate-coated
psilocybin mushroom distribution has recently increased in several areas of the
United States, including Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, Oregon, West
Virginia, and Wisconsin. Moreover, law enforcement reporting indicates that
Portland, Oregon, is one of the primary source areas for chocolate-coated
psilocybin mushrooms. From September 2002 to April 2003, law enforcement
authorities with the Portland Police Bureau, DEA, and the Portland Airport
Interagency Narcotics Team (PAINT) seized over 250 pounds of chocolate-coated
psilocybin mushrooms in nine incidents. The psilocybin mushrooms were being
transported from Oregon to markets throughout the United States via package
delivery services.
PSILOCIN/TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL MIXTURE IN VISTA, CALIFORNIA
The DEA Southwest Laboratory (San Diego, California) recently received an
unusual sample consisting of a ziploc bag containing a brown/gray substance
suspected to be psilocin, net mass 11.5 grams (photo not available). The
exhibit was seized by DEA personnel in Vista, California. After extraction from
a sodium bicarbonate triturate into ether, however, analysis by GC/MS indicated
not just psilocin but rather a mixture of psilocin and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC), cannabinol, and cannabidiol. Further investigation using a microscope
(under 10x magnification) determined that no marijuana was present; however,
the microscopic examination revealed that vermiculite was mixed into the
sample. Vermiculite is an absorptive substance used as a packing material and
also as a support media for growing plants. It is speculated that the
vermiculite present in the sample had been previously used in a marijuana grow
operation, and thereby absorbed the cannabinoids that were identified in the
extract. Of note, the other psilocin samples submitted in this case contained
no vermiculite or cannabinoids.
OCTOBER 2003
CHOCOLATE/PSILOCYBIN "LOLLIPOP" IN TAMPA, FLORIDA
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tampa Crime Laboratory (Tampa,
Florida) recently received an unusual submission of a chocolate lollipop from
the Tampa Police Department. The evidence was recovered at a Grateful Dead
Concert in Tampa, and was submitted as a suspected chocolate/psilocybin mushroom
concoction. The lollipop was cellophane wrapped, about 6 x 4 centimeters in
size (candy only), weighed 27.4 grams (including the stick), and looked and
smelled like chocolate candy (see Photo 2). However, pieces of fibrous material
(presumed ground psilocybin mushroom) were visible throughout the chocolate
when the lollipop was broken (see Photo 3). Acid/base workup followed by
analysis of an extract by GC and GC/MS confirmed psilocin. Extraction of a
separate sample of the exhibit with methanol, followed by preparatory TLC,
followed by standard TLC, confirmed psilocin (quantitation not performed). Of
note, there was no indication of psilocybin in the sample. This was the first
encounter with a chocolate/psilocybin (psilocin) concoction by the Laboratory.
[Editor's Note: Numerous additional examples of chocolate/psilocybin mushroom
concoctions were reported in the May, June, and August 2003 issues of Microgram
Bulletin.]
Photo 2
Photo 3
CAPSULES CONTAINING POWDERED PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOMS
IN COUNCIL GROVE, KANSAS
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation Laboratory in Topeka recently received a
submission of seven clear capsules containing a light brown powder (total net
mass not reported) from the Council Grove Police Department (Council Grove is
located about 50 miles southwest of Topeka). The capsules (see Photo 10) were
seized (along with several ounces of marijuana) subsequent to a DUI/vehicle
stop. The defendant indicated that the capsules were "mushroom
pills". Analysis by TLC indicated psilocin and psilocybin, and analysis by
GC/MS confirmed psilocin (quantitation not performed). This was the
Laboratory's first encounter with this type of exhibit; however, a similar
exhibit was seen by the KBI Great Bend Laboratory in 2002.
Photo 10
SEPTEMBER 2003
40 YEAR OLD PSILOCYBIN TABLETS IN MENDOCINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
The State of California, Bureau of Forensic Services Laboratory (Eureka,
California) recently received an interesting polydrug submission from Mendocino
County (about 110 miles north of San Francisco), including cocaine powder (1.08
grams), dimethyltryptamine (DMT, compressed powder, 0.07 grams), an MDA capsule
(0.09 grams), an MDMA capsule (0.23 grams), methamphetamine (0.49 grams),
methaqualone tablets (two standard Lemmon 714 logo tablets), psilocybin
mushrooms (36.01 grams), and psilocybin tablets (six, single scored, in very
fragile condition). The exhibits were seized by the Mendocino County Sheriff's
Office (circumstances not reported); analysis was done with a variety of color
tests and GC/MS. The submission had a number of unusual aspects - the DMT
powder was highly compressed, had a strong mothball odor (not further
identified), and had the appearance of amber (see Photo 5), the MDA and MDMA
were both present in clear gelatin capsules, methaqualone tablets hadn't been
seen by the laboratory in years, and the psilocybin tablets were in what
appeared to be the original packaging (glass bottle with metal screw on lid,
labelled: "Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, 50 tablets, Psilocybin, each tablet
contains 10 mg, Research Material") (see Photo 6). According to the Drug
Identification Bible, 2002, these tablets were manufactured between 1958 and
1965. GC/MS analysis of the psilocybin tablets showed minute traces of
psilocin, with the major peaks being the tablet binders. None of the exhibits
were quantitated. This was the laboratory's first ever encounter with
psilocybin tablets.
Photo 5
Photo 6
AUGUST 2003
PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOM CHOCOLATES
IN CLARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
The Santa Clara County Crime Laboratory (San Jose, California) recently
received a polydrug submission which included its first exhibits of
chocolate/psilocybin mushroom "candies". The seizures were made by
the Mountain View Police Department at a rock concert. The five chocolates were
star-shaped, wrapped in colored foil (four in silver, one in gold), and weighed
between 12 and 15 grams each (see Photo 1). Pieces of mushrooms were visible
throughout the chocolates (see Photo 2). Soaking one full gram of the
concoction in 0.2N H2SO4, multiply washing with methylene chloride, basifying
the solution, and extraction into n-butyl chloride gave a clean psilocin peak
by GC/MS. No quantitation was performed. This case also included a small amount
of mushroom stems (by themselves), which also analyzed positive for psilocin
(not quantitated). Finally, two ziploc bags containing an unknown white powder
(suspected Ecstasy) were submitted (total net mass 1.89 grams). Analysis by
color testing and FTIR confirmed 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, not quantitated).
The submission of MDMA in powdered form (rather than as tablets) has not
occurred in Santa Clara County for several years.
[Editor's Notes: Previous seizures of psilocybin mushroom chocolates were
detailed in the May and June 2003 issues of Microgram Bulletin. Again, all
subscribers are reminded that the DEA Dangerous Drugs Strategic Intelligence
Unit (NTSG) and the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) remain interested
in this issue. Subscribers encountering these concoctions are asked to forward
details to NTSG by FAX to 202/307-7916, Attn: J. Hines; and to NDIC by email to
<ronald.strong2@usdoj.gov>.]
July 2003
VERY LARGE PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOMS, PEYOTE CACTI, AND MARIJUANA
GROW OPERATION IN GUILDERLAND AND SCOTIA, NEW YORK
Photo 1
The New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center (Albany, New York)
recently received a large polydrug submission consisting of 645 large jars
containing growing psilocybin mushroom cultures (see Photo 1), 12 pots with
growing peyote cacti, 45 growing marijuana plants, and over 10 pounds of dried
psilocybin mushrooms. Growing media, rye grain, hay, mushroom spores, scales,
glassware, thermometer, drying racks, firearms, and fireworks were also
recovered. The evidence was seized by the Albany County Sheriff's Department
from two separate residences in Guilderland and Scotia (suburbs of Albany),
that were set up as large-scale indoor grow operations. The spores were
purchased from an Internet source [Details not provided in accordance with
Bulletin policy]. Analysis of the mushrooms by TLC and GC/MS confirmed
psilocybin. Analysis of the peyote cacti by GC/MS confirmed mescaline. The
marijuana was not analyzed. None of the exhibits were quantitated.
- INTELLIGENCE BRIEF-
MAIL-ORDER PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOM SPORES IN GREAT FALLS, MONTANA
The DEA Western Laboratory (San Francisco, California) recently received a
submission of three standard design, plastic, 12 milliliter syringes containing
a clear liquid with very small black specks suspended in the solution, suspected
to be aqueous suspensions of psilocybin mushroom spores. The exhibits were
seized by the Postal Inspector in Great Falls, Montana. Each syringe had a
piece of colored tape wrapped around it; one red, one white, and one blue. Each
tape had a different alphanumeric code written on it, the meaning of which was
not intuitively obvious. For prosecution purposes (attempt to manufacture
psilocybin and/or psilocin, controlled substances), it was necessary to show
both that the spores were viable (would grow mushrooms), and that the mushrooms
grown from the spores contained psilocybin and/or psilocin.
Photo 5
Visual examination of a drop of the liquid at 750x magnification revealed
thousands of brownish colored, semi-transparent, oval shaped spores. Each solution
was used to inoculate four different growth media: Potato, dextrose, yeast agar
(PDY), dog food agar (DFA), malt extract agar (MEA), and brown rice powder and
vermiculite. The basic procedures followed those provided in: Gross ST.
Detecting psychoactive drugs in the developmental stages of mushrooms. Journal
of Forensic Sciences 2000;45(3):527. [Further details not provided in
accordance with Bulletin policy.] Mycelium growth was obtained with two of the
syringes; analysis of samples of the mycelium by GC/MS and GC/IRD confirmed
psilocin (see: Casale JF. An aqueous-organic extraction method for the
isolation and identification of psilocin from hallucinogenic mushrooms. Journal
of Forensic Sciences 1985;30(1):247). Transfer of the mycelium to a grow chamber
resulted in mushroom growth (see Photo 5), and analysis of the dried mushrooms
confirmed psilocin. This was the first submission of this type to the Western
Laboratory.
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