Georgia fruit stand was front for drug trafficking operation; Deputies seize 270 grams of meth
What looked like an ordinary fruit stand selling strawberries and mangos was actually a front, investigators say, for a meth trafficking operation.
After a lengthy investigation, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force, the Paulding County Sheriff's Office K-9 Division, and the Sheriff's Office SWAT team executed a search warrant near the stand along Marietta Highway.
On Oct. 24, agents seized 270 grams of methamphetamine, including some hidden in a Krispy Kreme doughnut bag.
Authorities arrested Melvin Stevens, 37, and Athena Alloway, 49, who now face multiple charges. Stevens was charged with five counts of trafficking methamphetamine and one count of possession of methamphetamine. Alloway was charged with four counts of trafficking methamphetamine and one count of possession of methamphetamine, officials said.
A third suspect, Crystal Ballweg, 39, is wanted on a warrant for trafficking methamphetamine in connection with the case. Authorities are urging anyone with information about her location to contact the Paulding County Sheriff's Office Warrant Division.
The owner of the fruit stand had no involvement. The sheriff's office says it was one of his employees selling the narcotics while he wasn't there.
Task Force Commander Daniel Nicholson praised the joint effort between agencies, saying the investigation "reveals to the public the hard work and dedication of the Agents assigned to the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force as well as their commitment to finding those individuals who sell and distribute narcotics and prey on our community members."
Authorities are encouraging residents to report any information related to drug activity in the area.