Clayton County police announce bust of 'magic mushroom' grow house

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - Clayton County police recently made a significant bust involving a "magic mushroom" grow house, resulting in the arrest of four individuals. According to authorities, these mushrooms have been gaining popularity but are also "extremely dangerous."

Police say neighbors had complained for months about the unassuming house on Seabright Lane. Police say they found an illegal mushroom operation hidden in a neighborhood and even worse, they say, small children lived in the house.

"We encountered a very large and significant amount of psilocybin which is known as shrooms or magic mushrooms. Over the last 6 months to a year, we have seen an increase in magic mushrooms," said Major Francisco Romero. 

The major stated during a press conference on Friday that this was the largest quantity of mushrooms he has encountered, totaling nearly 60 pounds. The grow operation was discovered at a residence in Atlanta that had been under surveillance for an extended period.

Narcotics investigators executed a search warrant at the property on Seabright Lane following multiple complaints from neighbors. Inside, they uncovered a mushroom cultivation operation, from the early stages of growth to harvest. Additionally, authorities seized 400 grams of marijuana, three firearms, and Oxycodone pills.

Arrested and charged with felonies were Gabriel Byars, Derek Byars, Josilyn Thomas and Jacobie Arnold. 

"Two of them were under the influence when we arrived. One tried to flee, but we quickly captured him," the major said. 

Police say the mushroom drug is growing in popularity and is extremely dangerous. The major says the drug used to be rural but has shown up on the urban scene and is very harmful. 

"They are dangerous because they are very unpredictable. Hallucinations are certainly within the scope of this drug and lead to erratic behavior and unlawful behavior," the major said. 

The police are emphasizing their growing concern surrounding magic mushrooms, noting their potential for inducing hallucinations and erratic behavior.