7 arrested for selling 'magic mushrooms' online

Authorities arrested seven people in Bacnotan, La Union for allegedly selling “magic mushrooms” online.

According to Chino Gaston’s Monday “24 Oras” report, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) nabbed the suspects — who are allegedly advocating microdosing — in an anti-drug operation in a beach resort in Barangay Galongen over the weekend. 

Microdosing refers to the consumption of small doses of shrooms or magic mushrooms, which contain psilocybin -- a chemical compound considered illegal in the country.  The suspects said it reduces mental health illnesses. 

“Sila yung grupo na nagcu-cultivate ng mushroom. Advocate kasi sila ng micro-dosing, tapos ang cover story nila ay soul therapy, yoga at pinapakalat nila ito sa social media,” said PDEA Special Enforcement Service Director Rogelito Daculla. 

(The group cultivates the mushrooms because they advocate for microdosing. Their cover story is soul therapy, and yoga.)

“‘Yung main subject natin is a social media influencer ang dala-dala nila ay ito ngang mushroom, kush at iba pang party drugs” he said.

(Our main subject is a social media influencer. They have mushroom, kush, and other party drugs.)

Also recovered from the suspects were lollipops and chocolate bars allegedly mixed with magic mushrooms, suspected marijuana, ecstasy tablets, and cocaine. 

“Hallucinogen siya... medyo nakakakita nang hindi maganda yung tao., puwede silang saktan nila yung sarili nila, makasakit,” said Daculla.  

(It was a hallucinogen so users hallucinate things, and sometimes hurt themselves or other people.)

“Isa pang kinokontrol natin dito is yung marami ang matuto sa pag-cultivate, pino-promote nila openly sa social media, baka mamaya maraming makahagip kung pano gawin ito,” he said. 

(We also try to avoid its cultivation as the group openly advocates for its use on social media.)

GMA Integrated News reached out to the suspects for comment but they have yet to respond.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News