Hallucinogenic substance added to omelettes, soups in Munnar

Youngsters and tourists in Kerela's picturesque hill station of Munnar are getting "high" by consuming a variety of hallucinogenic mushroom that's put into omelettes and soups, the police said.

According to informed sources, this particular variety of mushroom contains psilocybin, a hallucinogenic substance, which gives a kick when added to omelettes and even soups.

This mushroom is available in certain shops in and around Munnar and depending on its quantity, such omelettes and soups are available from Rs 600 up to Rs 2,000.

Speaking to IANS, a police officer said: "This variety of mushroom grows from the excreta of a particular wild animal and is mostly seen in the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border near the Kundla forest area."

Another official from the Narcotic division also confirmed to IANS that this has been happening but so far no one has been taken into custody.

The item has become a favourite among the youngsters and tourists as the kick one gets after consuming it remains for a prolonged period.

The police said they are on a lookout for agents who sell these particular mushrooms to the eateries and will prosecute the violators once they are caught.

--IANS

sg/soni/vm