Hammond Man Arrested After Police Discover Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Psilocybin During Drug Raid
A Hammond man is facing multiple drug related charges after a police search of his home uncovered a large stash of narcotics, packaging materials, and over $12,000 in cash, according to a recent charging affidavit.
Hammond Police executed a search warrant Tuesday at a residence in the 700 block of 173rd Street as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation into, 33 year old, Max Ballantyne, of Hammond. Ballantyne was present during the search and identified himself to authorities.
Inside the home, detectives discovered 19 individually packaged baggies containing a substance that field-tested positive for heroin and fentanyl, weighing a total of 5.3 grams. Officers also located a digital scale with powder residue, a separate 15-gram baggie of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, and a 2.1-gram baggie that tested positive for cocaine.
Police also seized $12,556 in U.S. currency and a significant amount of packaging supplies, including vials and zip-lock bags, commonly used in drug distribution.
During questioning, Ballantyne waived his rights and admitted to selling cocaine on a daily basis and purchasing it in bulk.
Based on the evidence found, including individually packaged drugs and the presence of distribution tools, investigators believe Ballantyne intended to sell the narcotics.
Ballantyne was charged with:
Level 3 Felony – Dealing in a Narcotic Drug
Level 3 Felony – Dealing in a Narcotic Drug; Possession with Intent, Between 5 & 10g
Level 3 Felony – Dealing in a Schedule I Controlled Substance: Poss. w/ Intent, b/t 10g & 28g.
Level 4 Felony – Dealing in Cocaine; Possession with Intent, Between 1 & 5 grams
Level 6 Felony – Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Controlled Substances
