Hamilton Police Shut Down Illegal Psilocybin Dispensary, Arrest One

Hamilton, ON – September 12, 2025 — The Hamilton Police Service Major Drugs and Gangs Unit has shut down an illegal psilocybin dispensary operating in the city’s east end.

In a press statement to the media recently, Hamilton Police said, on Friday, September 5, 2025, officers executed a search warrant at Shroomyz, located at 1353 Main Street East, following an investigation into the sale of controlled substances. The storefront had been operating as an open retail shop despite psilocybin remaining a controlled substance under Canadian law.

The Police arrested 36-year-old Michael Pinter without incident during the search. Pinter has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking psilocybin under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000.

Inside the store, investigators seized:

• 2,156 grams (2.156 kg) of psilocybin products packaged for retail sale
• $1,244.30 in Canadian currency, believed to be crime proceeds

The street value of the seized drugs is estimated at $12,440, based on posted retail prices. Images of the seized materials are expected to be released by Hamilton Police.

“This operation sends a clear message: the illegal sale of psilocybin in our community will not be tolerated,” said a Hamilton Police spokesperson. “Our duty is to protect public safety and disrupt organized efforts to profit from controlled substances.”

Psilocybin, the active compound in so-called “magic mushrooms,” remains illegal in Canada outside of specific exemptions for medical or research purposes. Despite this, unlicensed dispensaries have appeared in several Ontario cities, often marketing themselves openly as retail shops.

Hamilton Police emphasized their commitment to tackling the illegal drug trade and urged residents to come forward with any information about drug-related activity.

Community members can contact the Major Drugs and Gangs Unit directly at:

[email protected]
For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-800-222-8477 or through their online tip submission service.

Authorities say more enforcement actions may follow as police continue monitoring for illegal psilocybin and other controlled substance sales across Hamilton.