A family in Talitsa has been detained for allegedly cultivating hallucinogenic mushrooms, processing them into sweets, and selling them through a Telegram channel. The Ural Transport Prosecutor’s Office reported the discovery of the illegal operation which took place between April 2022 and July 2024.

More than six kilograms of hallucinogenic mushrooms were found in the family’s apartment. These mushrooms contained the narcotic substance psilocin. The family allegedly dried the mushrooms using a fruit and vegetable dehydrator, then mixed them with melted chocolate to create the sweets.

The sweets were packaged in colored foil and gift boxes labeled “with all my heart” and marketed to drug users via Telegram.

Several criminal cases have been initiated against the family members. The charges include: illegal sale of narcotic drugs on a particularly large scale, committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy; illegal sale of narcotic drugs on a significant scale; illegal cultivation of narcotic plants on a particularly large scale; and attempted illegal sale of narcotic drugs on a particularly large scale.

Separately, earlier this year, law enforcement uncovered a cannabis plantation allegedly grown by Igor Krupsky, the former head of the Ministry of Agro-Industrial Complex and Consumer Market. He has pleaded guilty and requested house arrest.