After a magic mushroom lab was shut down in the Clayton Heights area of Surrey, RCMP are reminding property owners of the potential damage they may face from illegal grow-ops.

According to the Surrey RCMP, Surrey Fire Services responded to a carbon monoxide alarm at a residence in the 7000 block of 196^th Street in Surrey on September 6.

When fire crews discovered signs of illicit drug activity inside the residence, they contacted Surrey RCMP, who found a suspected psilocybin mushroom drug laboratory.

Officers arrested a female suspect at the scene, who was released pending further investigation.

Over the next two days, Surrey RCMP’s drug section and the Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response (CLEAR) Team used a search warrant to investigate inside the residence, dismantle the grow-op, and seize items used in the production of psilocybin mushrooms.

RCMP also seized 11 kilograms of dried psilocybin mushrooms (more than 6,200 doses), and 18 kilograms of wet psilocybin mushrooms.

No charges have been laid yet but the investigation remains ongoing.

“The possession, sale, and production of magic mushrooms remains illegal in Canada,” Surrey RCMP drug unit Sgt. John Murray explained in a news release. “There are risks when consuming illegal substances such as psilocybin mushrooms as they are not regulated so the potency and effects can vary significantly.”

Surrey RCMP is reminding property owners to conduct regular checks on their rental properties as illegal drug labs can cause damage to property, including mold, mildew, and other structural damage.

In addition, Surrey RCMP pointed out that “property owners could potentially face financial hardships as not all home insurance covers damages incurred by illegal activity”.