An 18-year-old Thousand Oaks resident has been arrested for selling psilocybin mushrooms, known for their hallucinogenic properties, to minors. According to a statement obtained by the Thousand Oaks Police Department, the sales were reportedly facilitated through social media platforms. The department's Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU) made the arrest after receiving a tip in July from a local concern about the substances being sold in the community.
Early last month, DEU detectives launched an investigation to track the online dealings of the suspect named Antony Conteras. Antony Conteras, identified by law enforcement using various techniques, was found to be selling Polkadot shroom chocolate bars containing psilocybin mushrooms. He was charged with possession and transportation of controlled substances for sale, as outlined in a news release published in August by Senior Deputy Jonathan San Jose.
The Controlled Substances Act considers psilocybin mushrooms a Schedule I substance, which puts them in the same legal category as heroin and LSD based on a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States. The chemical can invoke psychological effects such as hallucinations and, in the case of larger doses, panic reactions or psychosis, potentially leaving someone unable to tell reality from fantasy.
Conteras, following the arrest, was booked at the Pretrial Detention Facility in Ventura. The Thousand Oaks Police encourage the public to contribute to the ongoing fight against crime and stay informed about public safety by following their social media accounts on platforms like Twitter and Instagram and subscribing to Nixle for local law enforcement alerts by texting one's zip code to 888777.
Ventura County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and criminal complaint against those responsible for such crimes and allows the caller to remain anonymous. Tips can be provided by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
