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Written by: A. Smith
Published November 5, 2025 @ 9:38 AM ET
PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. – A Paulding County produce stand was allegedly doubling as a front for drug trafficking, according to deputies who say they seized 270 grams of methamphetamine during a bust this week.
Investigators with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force said they found the meth hidden among everyday items at the roadside stand, including a stash tucked inside a Krispy Kreme bag.
The discovery followed a community tip about suspicious activity behind the fruit and vegetable sales at the 3100 block of Due West Rd. A search warrant and arrest warrant were served at this location, and a secondary arrest warrant was served at the fruit stand located at 2651 Marietta Hwy.
“You’re going to buy your tomatoes or your fruit or whatever, and while you’re buying that, you’re getting a little drugs on the side,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jordan Yuodis. “It blends in — it doesn’t stand out. You’re not just in a gas station parking lot making a hand-to-hand transaction, so they thought people wouldn’t catch on.”
After a months-long investigation, deputies arrested 49-year-old Athena Alloway at the stand and 37-year-old Melvin Stevens. Both face charges of trafficking and possession of methamphetamine.
Authorities are still searching for 39-year-old Crystal Ballweg, who they say was also involved.
“That amount is trafficking,” Yuodis said. “They’re getting it, they’re distributing it, and they’re selling it.”
Officials have not said how long the operation may have been active.
Anyone with information on Ballweg’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office.