Police target 'magic' mushroom pickers

Police have increased patrols in and around Savernake Forest, Wiltshire, following a reported sharp rise in people picking the illicit fungi there.
Officers have detained six people in the area in the last few days for possessing the most common hallucinogenic variety, the Liberty Cap (Psilocybe Semilanceata).
A spokesman for Wiltshire Police, PC Dave Tippetts, said: “We have recently had an increase in people located with magic mushrooms in their possession. Many have been in possession of Liberty Cap mushrooms, which are a Class A drug.
"One of my main concerns is that there are very similar mushrooms growing in the area that are extremely poisonous and could cause physical harm if consumed.”
He added: “Many people are unaware that the law changed in 2005, making it an offence to possess magic mushrooms in their natural state.
"The law used to say that it was only when dried for use, that the offence was complete. This is no longer the case, and any person seen picking or found in possession of magic mushrooms will be liable for prosecution.”
Possession of Class A controlled drugs carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment upon conviction, and supplying Class A controlled drugs carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Anyone with information on these incidents should contact Wiltshire Police via the 101 number.
Alternatively the Crimestoppers charity can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.