Mushroom Moguls Nabbed: $15M Seized in Dark Web Drug Ring

COLUMBUS, OH – The dark web isn’t as anonymous as they think. Three individuals have confessed to running a nationwide psychedelic mushroom distribution network, peddling liquid doses to customers through hidden online marketplaces. The bust, spearheaded by the Central Ohio Cyber Drug Task Force, has already yielded a staggering $15 million in forfeited assets, and the defendants could face decades behind bars.

James Verl Barlow, 44, of Las Vegas, Matthew Taylor Barlow, 35, of Murray, Utah, and Jennifer Helen Cambpell, 42, also of Murray, Utah, all pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute a psychedelic mushroom analogue. James Barlow additionally admitted guilt to conspiring to launder the profits from their illicit operation. The trio were among six initially charged this spring.

Court documents reveal the operation, running from November 2013 to April 2021, utilized the online aliases “TRIPWITHSCIENCE” and “PERFECTSHROOMS” to sell nine-milligram vials of liquid psychedelic mushrooms for approximately $20 apiece. The network wasn’t limited to the digital realm; investigators tracked shipments of both powder and liquid mushrooms originating from Las Vegas, Memphis, and Gulf Breeze, Florida, destined for customers across the United States and even Europe. At least one customer was located right here in Columbus.

The scope of the operation is frankly, enormous. The investigation determined Barlow’s organization was responsible for distributing a whopping 315 kilograms of powder mushroom analogues and a staggering 3,200 kilograms of liquid mushrooms. James Barlow allegedly orchestrated the entire operation, using individuals in Nevada, Utah, and Maryland to handle the logistics. Now, he’s facing the music – and a significant financial hit.

As part of his plea agreement, James Barlow will forfeit approximately $15 million in drug proceeds and property. This includes millions in cryptocurrency, over half a million dollars in cash, a 2016 Tesla Model-X Wagon, and land in Brighton, Colorado, valued at more than $1.5 million. It’s a hefty price to pay for peddling mind-altering substances online.

Each of the defendants faces up to 20 years in prison. The sentencing will be determined by U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison, taking into account advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. The case was announced by United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker, alongside representatives from IRS Criminal Investigation, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Hunter is prosecuting the case. This bust serves as a stark reminder that even in the shadows of the dark web, law enforcement is watching – and cracking down.