A Hammond man is facing many drug-related charges after a police search of his home turned up a significant hoard of narcotics, packaging tools, and more than $12,000 in cash, according to a recent charging document.
Hammond Police executed a search warrant Tuesday at a property in the 700 block of 173rd Street as part of an ongoing drugs investigation into Hammond resident Max Ballantyne, 33. Ballantyne was there during the search and identified himself to the authorities.
Inside the house, officers recovered 19 individually packaged baggies containing a material that field-tested positive for heroin and fentanyl, totaling 5.3 grams. Officers discovered a digital scale with powder residue, a separate 15-gram baggie of probable psilocybin mushrooms, and a 2.1-gram baggie containing cocaine.
Police also recovered $12,556 in US dollars and a large quantity of packing supplies, such as vials and zip-lock bags, which are typically used in drug trafficking.
During questioning, Ballantyne renounced his rights and admitted to selling cocaine daily and buying it in bulk.
Investigators believe Ballantyne intended to sell the narcotics based on the evidence discovered, which included individually packaged medications and distribution equipment.
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.
