A traffic stop on Highway 27 led to the arrest of a 41-year-old man after a Chattooga County deputy reported finding suspected psychedelic mushrooms in his vehicle.

According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, William Antonio Matthews, 41, was arrested Monday, September 28, and charged with possession of a Schedule I drug and traffic offenses.

The incident began at approximately 3:40 AM while a deputy was traveling on Highway 27 near the water treatment plant.

The deputy reported seeing a northbound vehicle straddling the center line and initiated a traffic stop after the vehicle allegedly continued traveling between lanes.

According to the report, Matthews was identified as the driver. During the stop, the deputy reported smelling what he believed to be the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

Matthews reportedly told the deputy there was a small amount of marijuana inside the vehicle. During a subsequent search, the deputy said no marijuana was recovered.

However, the deputy reported finding a bag containing dried mushrooms inside the center console. According to the report, Matthews said the mushrooms were “micro-dosing” and acknowledged that they were mushrooms.

The deputy reported recognizing the mushrooms as suspected psilocybin mushrooms, commonly referred to as psychedelic or “magic” mushrooms.

Matthews was arrested and transported to the Chattooga County Jail.

According to the incident report, the mushrooms weighed approximately 9.9 grams. A field test was conducted at the Sheriff’s Office and reportedly returned a positive result for psilocybin.

The suspected mushrooms were collected and placed into evidence.