Vancouver Police executed three search warrants today during an ongoing investigation into the illegal sale of illicit psychedelic drugs from storefronts throughout the city.
“We have been clear that anyone who breaks the law by illegally trafficking controlled drugs and substances could be arrested and charged with a criminal offence,” says Sergeant Steve Addison. “This includes people who traffic drugs for profit from unlicensed and illegal retail businesses.”
Earlier today, VPD investigators searched retail storefronts in Marpole, Mount Pleasant, and Strathcona, seizing a variety of controlled substances that VPD believes were being bought and sold in bulk quantities to walk-in customers. The illegal stores were located on East Hastings Street, West Broadway Avenue, and Granville Street.
The warrants are part of an ongoing criminal investigation, and the VPD will consider recommending charges when the investigation concludes.
Psilocybin is a controlled substance under the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Although exemptions exist in British Columbia for people who possess and consume drugs for personal use, it is illegal to traffic psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs unless an exemption from Health Canada has been obtained, for example, for a clinical trial.
