Local man arrested for manufacturing and distribution of 'magic mushrooms'

Local man arrested for manufacturing and distribution of 'magic mushrooms'

Randal Scott Vance, 41, is facing numerous charges following the discovery of a mushroom grow operation in Fallbrook and Bonsall.

The arrest was made on Friday, October 4 just after 9 a.m. following a warrant service at a business in the 200 block of West Ash Street in Fallbrook and a house in the 1600 block of West Lilac Road in Bonsall.

Deputies with the Fallbrook Sheriff's Substation Crime Suppression Team (CST) and Detectives with the Sheriff's Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served search warrants in connection with an ongoing drug investigation.

Deputies discovered an illegal operation to manufacture and distribute psilocybin mushroom at both locations. Psilocybin is the psychoactive ingredient in "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms" and is listed as a Schedule 1 Drug under the Controlled Substances Act. It means psilocybin has a high potential for abuse and there is currently no accepted medical use in the United States. Possession and sales violate state and federal laws.

Two rifles, four handguns, more than 250 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms, 40 pounds of psilocybin mushroom chocolate candy, Ecstasy, lysergic acid diethylamide or LSD, as well as suspected Ketamine were seized. The drugs have an estimated street value of more than $200,000.

Randal Scott Vance (DOB: 01/28/1983) was arrested on felony charges of child endangerment, possessing, producing, and transporting controlled substances with intent to sell, violating health codes, and being armed while committing drug offenses.

Two children in the home ages 10 and 12 were turned over to their mother who shares joint custody. It is the policy of the San Diego County Sheriff's Office not to release identifying information about minors in protective custody.

This is all the information that can be shared at this time as the investigation continues.