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Brick Couple Arrested For Producing Hallucinogens, Dealing 'Magic Mushrooms'

An overseas package of hallucinogens led federal and local law enforcement officers to arrest a Brick Township couple on multiple drug production and distribution charges, authorities said.

Patrick and Maria Fasano

Patrick and Maria Fasano

Photo Credit: Ocean County Prosecutor's Office

Patrick Fasano, 31, and Maria Fasano, 27, both have been charged with operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility, possession of firearms and multiple drug-dealing and possession charges, according to Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael T. Nolan.

After the U.S. Department of Homeland Security intercepted a suspicious package from the Netherlands -- which was addressed to the Fasano residence in Brick -- an undercover detective from the Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force delivered the package, Nolan said.

The parcel contained about 920 grams of Dimethyltryptamine or DMT, a hallucinogenic drug, Nolan said.

Detectives returned with a search warrant on Tuesday. In addition to DMT, police seized marijuana and a second hallucinogen called psilocybin mushrooms -- also known as magic mushrooms, according to Nolan.

Also found at the Fasano residence, Nolan said, were numerous items "suggestive of maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility." Police also seized drug paraphernalia, numerous firearms, ammunition and about $1,900, Nolan said.

The couple was additionally charged with "maintaining and occupying a fortified structure," which Nolan said included surveillance cameras designed to guard against law enforcement entry.

Maria and Patrick Fasano were being held in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.

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