A man in Florida has been arrested after authorities alleged that he was running a business selling hallucinogenic cacti and mushrooms through Facebook Marketplace. Investigators seized 131 live plants, approximately 50 pounds of mescaline-containing cacti and 1.5 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms during a search of his home in Riverview, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.Zachary Diaz, 32, was arrested following a search warrant executed by the sheriff’s office’s Opioid Overdose Investigation Section on October 1, 2026. The search took place at a property in the 5500 block of Coolidge Street in Riverview, Florida.According to investigators, Diaz was allegedly operating a business selling mescaline-containing cacti, commonly known as peyote, along with psilocybin mushrooms. Authorities said the products were advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
131 live plants and hallucinogenic substances seized
Police seize 131 live plants in a Florida drug investigation. (Photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
The search led to the recovery of 131 live plants, as well as equipment and supplies allegedly used for cultivation and manufacturing. Investigators also seized approximately 50 pounds of mescaline-containing cacti and 1.5 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms, the sheriff’s office said.Announcing the arrest on social media, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning against using Facebook Marketplace to sell hallucinogenic substances.
Investigators recover 50 pounds of mescaline-containing cacti. (Photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
“Selling hallucinogens on Facebook Marketplace? Not in Hillsborough County,” the department wrote in its post, outlining the findings of the investigation and the charges against Diaz.Authorities said Diaz already had outstanding warrants connected to the investigation when the search was conducted.
What charges does Zachary Diaz face?
According to the sheriff’s office, Diaz faces three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver within 1,000 feet of a church. He also faces three counts of delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a church.In addition, Diaz has been charged with two counts of manufacturing a controlled substance.
Florida man faces multiple drug charges after a Facebook Marketplace investigation. (Photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
The charges relate to the alleged sale, delivery and manufacture of controlled substances. The sheriff’s office has not reported a conviction, and the allegations remain subject to the legal process.The investigation was conducted by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s Opioid Overdose Investigation Section. Further details about Diaz’s legal proceedings were not included in the department’s announcement.
