York Police Make Groundbreaking Drug Bust

In a stunning crackdown on illegal substances, York Regional Police have detained 15 individuals and issued international warrants for two key suspects linked to a massive $3.5 million magic mushroom operation!

What Sparked This Major Investigation?

Project Magic, initiated in March 2024, set its sights on the notorious FunGuyz Magic Mushrooms store located at the busy intersection of Yonge Street and Centre Street in Vaughan. This operation was not just a stroll in the park; investigators swung into action targeting FunGuyz outlets across Ontario.

The Haul: Millions Worth of Psychedelics Seized

Law enforcement officials accomplished what many could only dream of, seizing an astounding 181 kilograms of dried psilocybin, plus an additional 137 kilograms of edible varieties. They also confiscated over 167,000 psilocybin capsules, along with 179 grams of DMT, and 541 grams of illicit cannabis. To top it all off, more than $450,000 in cash and property valued over $1 million were seized from the operation.

The International Manhunt For Suspects

Among those arrested, two suspects have evaded capture and are believed to be hiding abroad. Mozda Karim, 38, of Toronto, is thought to have fled to the U.K., while Samer Akila, 32, of London, Ontario, is believed to be in Egypt after failing to comply with a previous court order. They now face multiple drug trafficking and possession charges.

Arrested and Charged: Who’s Who in This Massive Operation?

Here is the list of individuals now facing the consequences of their actions: 1. Adam Akila, 30, London, Ont. 2. Orlando Fernandez Garcia, 29, Newmarket, Ont. 3. Samy Erian, 32, Gatineau, Que. 4. Feras Almasri, 31, Mississauga, Ont. 5. Ragip Osdautaj, 35, Grimsby, Ont. 6. Kevin Lodano Castano, 28, Toronto, Ont. 7. Thomas Nelson, 53, Toronto, Ont. 8. Kevin Amaya, 31, Hamilton, Ont. 9. Polina Iumanov, 32, Hamilton, Ont. 10. Trevor Kraus-Picado, 32, Hamilton, Ont. 11. Duncan Craig, 34, Puslinch, Ont. 12. Adonios Valvis-Rocha, 39, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ont. 13. Tsi Choy, 39, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ont.

Understanding the Legality of Psychedelics in Canada

It's crucial to remember that in Canada, the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms—containing the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin—and the psychedelic drug DMT are strictly illegal under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The implications of this raid could reshape the landscape of psychedelic substance regulations in the country.

Stay tuned for more updates as the manhunt for the remaining suspects unfolds and this ongoing investigation continues to reveal the dark underbelly of illegal drug operations.