Chicago man facing drugs, weapons charges gets $1.5M bail

MARKHAM | A Cook County Circuit Court judge set bail Thursday at $1.5 million for a Chicago man facing drug and weapons charges after an investigation by Calumet City police, the Cook County state's attorney's office said.

Matthew Clark, 37, faces two counts each of possession of cannabis over 5,000 grams and possession with intent to deliver cannabis. He also faces charges of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and various traffic violations, police said.

Tactical officers with the Calumet City Police Department recovered 920 pounds of suspected marijuana, eight handguns of various caliber, scales and numerous items used to package and distribute narcotics during a search of a house at 31 Highland St., according to a news release. The drugs have a potential street value of $4.5 million, the release states.

Clark had been observed by police leaving the Highland Street address on Tuesday, when he was arrested. Police found marijuana in his vehicle as well, and the investigation netted a total of 989 pounds of marijuana, the release states.

Clark's next court date is Feb. 28.