LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A weekend traffic stop led authorities to seize a large amount of hallucinogenic mushrooms and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, and arrest a North Coast man.

Lake County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lauren Berlinn said 31-year-old Alexander Abare of Arcata was arrested during the stop.

At approximately 1:45 a.m. Saturday, July 26, a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on a transit-style van traveling along Highway 20 in Upper Lake, Berlinn said.

When contacting the driver, identified as Abare, Berlinn said the deputy observed signs consistent with recent marijuana use and noted a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. 

Berlinn said Abare told the deputy he was returning to Arcata from the Sacramento area. During the interaction, he appeared visibly nervous. 

When questioned further, Abare admitted to having a bag of marijuana between the seats and a vape pen containing concentrated cannabis on the dashboard, Berlinn said.

The deputy’s search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 400 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms, packaged in black plastic bags and large totes, each labeled with various strain names, according to Berlinn.

Berlinn said deputies also located more than $370,000 in cash, vacuum-sealed in multiple bundles.

Abare was arrested and booked on multiple charges, including felony transportation of a controlled substance for sale across county lines, possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of a switchblade, and possession of an open container of marijuana in a vehicle, Berlinn said.

Berlinn said the investigation remains ongoing. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Narcotics Taskforce Tipline at 707-263-3663.