Large amount of fentanyl seized by local law enforcement

A man from Chicago charged with possessing more than 100 grams of dangerous drugs with intent to deliver made his initial appearance Monday.

Authorities say Charles Mathus, 56, was found with 111 grams of fentanyl with an estimated street value of $55,000, according to a news release from the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office. He was taken into custody May 20 in Sanborn near the Bad River Casino following a collaboration between the Michigan State Police and the Ashland and Bayfield County Sheriff’s offices.

Mathus is being charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver dangerous drugs and is being held on a $50,000 cash bond.

At the initial appearance, Mathus waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Circuit Court Judge Kelly McKnight found probable cause and the case is bound over for arraignment on June 10.

According to the criminal complaint, Mathus was traveling on an Indian Trails bus on May 20 with the drugs. Mathus got off the bus in Odanah and began walking down Highway 2. As he was walking eastbound, Mathus was approached by Ashland County Sheriff’s Office personnel and eventually arrested. Upon searching his belongings, a black gym sock was found with a hard object inside of it. The item turned out to be a vacuum bag with a white powder substance inside of it. The item weighed 111 grams and tested positive for fentanyl, the complaint stated.

In an interview with law enforcement, Mathus apologized and said he would just take what’s coming to him, the complaint stated.

“The arrest marks a significant victory in the ongoing efforts of the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office to combat the distribution of dangerous drugs in our communities. The dedicated team of law enforcement professionals continues to work tirelessly to investigate and remove illicit substances from our streets, safeguarding the well-being of our citizens,” Ashland County Sheriff Brian Zupke said in the release.

Fentanyl is a highly dangerous drug that poses a serious threat to public health, he said.

“The successful apprehension of Mathus and seizure of such a large quantity of Fentanyl underscores the importance of these collaborative efforts in combating the opioid epidemic and protecting our communities from the devastating effects of drug abuse,” Zupke said in the release. “The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of our residents. We urge anyone with information regarding the distribution of dangerous drugs to come forward and assist us in our ongoing efforts to combat this pressing issue.”