Ottawa Police Conduct Raids on Nine Illegal Mushroom Shops

**Ottawa Police Conduct Raids on Nine Illegal Mushroom Shops** Ottawa police have raided nine shops in the city suspected of selling illegal psilocybin, commonly known as "magic mushrooms." The operation took place following a series of fires at similar establishments in recent weeks. In a news release issued on Monday, the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) detailed the locations targeted during the raids. The shops included two in the 100 block of Montreal Road, one in the 1–100 block of Northside Road, one in the 300 block of Churchill Avenue, one in the 700 block of Somerset Street West, one in the 900 block of St. Laurent Boulevard, two in the 200 block of Dalhousie Street, and one in the 100 block of Rideau Street. During the raids, police seized over $10,000 in cash and more than 14 kilograms of dried psilocybin mushrooms. They also confiscated a variety of psilocybin-based products, including capsules, beverages, edibles, and vape pens. As a result of the operation, nine individuals have been charged with a total of 18 offenses. These charges include possession for the purpose of trafficking a Schedule III substance and possession of proceeds of crime. The police action underscores ongoing efforts to address the illegal sale of controlled substances in the city. Authorities are continuing to investigate the operations of these shops and their connections to the recent incidents of fire.