Multi-agency Investigation Leads to Arrest of Burlington Man in Significant Illegal Mushroom Grow

On 11/02/2023, at approximately 9:00 a.m., members of the DEA Hartford Task Force and Detectives from the Statewide Narcotics Task Force North Central Office arrived at 109 Lyon Road in Burlington, after receiving a tip suggesting that the resident, identified as Westen Soule, DOB 06/02/2002, was allegedly operating a clandestine psilocybin mushroom growing operation at the residence.

Upon arriving at the home, Detectives made contact with Soule and observed ventilation equipment throughout the residence consistent with those used in clandestine laboratories.

Soule accompanied investigators to a detached garage on the property where Detectives observed a large mushroom growing operation. During interactions with investigators, Soule claimed that the type of mushrooms he was growing were not illegal such as psilocybin. When asked about activities inside of the main residence, Soule did not consent to a search of the residence. Detectives then submitted a search warrant to New Britain Superior Court, which was subsequently granted. Upon serving the search warrant at Soule’s residence, investigators located a clandestine mushroom-growing factory within, containing psilocybin mushrooms in various stages of growth, with an estimated total street value of $8,500,000.

Soule admitted to investigators that the mushrooms were in fact psilocybin, which is a Schedule 1 controlled substance. A Schedule 1 controlled substance is defined as drugs, substances and chemicals that are not currently accepted for medical use and have a high potential for abuse.

Based upon the information obtained during this investigation, Soule was taken into custody at the scene and transported to Troop L in Litchfield, where he was processed and charged with the following:

C.G.S. 21a-277(a)1A+, Possession with Intent to Sell/Distribute Narcotics

C.G.S. 21a-21a-277(c), Operation of a Drug Factory

Soule was held on a $250,000 cash/surety bond and is scheduled for arraignment at New Britain Superior Court, on 11/16/2023.