‘Magic mushrooms’ and over 10 firearms seized from house in Iron County

CEDAR CITY, Utah (ABC4) — Agents with a southern Utah narcotics task force seized a number of firearms and drugs from an alleged “clandestine laboratory” in Iron County Wednesday morning.

Matthew Joseph Metcalf, 45, was booked in the Iron County Jail on 13 charges felonies ranging from drug distribution, operation of a clandestine laboratory, dangerous weapon conduct, and endangering a child.

Agents with the Iron-Garfield-Beaver Narcotics Task Force began investigating Metcalf after seizing a cell phone that was used to arrange a number of psilocybin mushroom sales over the past few months, charging documents say.

Also known as “magic mushrooms,” psilocybin mushrooms have been known to cause users to experience distorted sights and sounds while also causing them to lose their sense of time and space, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Before executing a search warrant at Metcalf’s residence, agents requested assistance from the Iron Metro SWAT team. During the search, agents say they found a small, hidden dark room which was being used to grow psilocybin mushrooms. Agents also reported having found jars with mushroom spores.

Police say two juveniles under the age of 10 were present in the home. One of which was found sleeping in the bedroom next to the laboratory.

During the search, court documents say agents also recovered 10 rifles and one pistol that were located in a shed.

It’s unclear exactly where the seizure took place. However, records obtained by ABC4.com indicate Metcalf has a Post Office box in Parowan, Utah.

He is currently being held without bail in the Iron County Jail.