In a significant drug bust, Lake Elsinore authorities have apprehended a 43-year-old man for his involvement in an elaborate psilocybin mushroom cultivation operation. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department, on a tip about a suspicious package sent to a local business in August, found said package filled with psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana products.

According to a press release by the Riverside Sheriff's Department, Jesse Arroyo, the alleged perpetrator, dispatched the package eventually traced back to him after an investigation that spanned several months. A search warrant was issued once deputies pinpointed Arroyo’s residence, and with the help of the Riverside Sheriff's Special Enforcement Bureau, executed the warrant in November.

The search of Arroyo's property unveiled a vast drug manufacturing setup comprising multiple structures dedicated to the growth, processing, and stockpiling of psilocybin mushrooms. Found within these makeshift labs and storehouses were approximately 445 pounds of vacuum-sealed psilocybin mushrooms and about 2,805 bags of psilocybin mushrooms at various stages of growth. The authorities have estimated the street value of the confiscated mushrooms at an eye-opening $2,900,000.00.

Additionally, along with the drugs, there was an assortment of firearms and tactical gear, including two un-serialized semi-automatic rifles, a shotgun, four semi-automatic handguns (two of which were un-serialized), a semiautomatic handgun suppressor, and two ballistic vests. Arroyo was taken into custody and now faces numerous felony drug-related offenses and weapons violations. "This is an ongoing investigation and no further information will be released," stated the Riverside Sheriff’s press release. Arroyo currently awaits trial at the Cois Byrd Detention Center.

The department has encouraged anyone with relevant information to step forward and contact Investigator Garcia at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station.