Caribou man charged with drug trafficking

MARS HILL, Maine — A Caribou man has been charged with drug trafficking, following a traffic stop June 18 on Route 1.
“Sheriff’s deputies arrested Ward Ballard, 49, of Caribou, charging him with two counts of felony trafficking in scheduled drugs. The charges are a result of an investigation by Aroostook County sheriff’s deputies that began with a traffic stop on Route 1 in Mars Hill on the evening of June 18,” said Chief Deputy Darrell Crandall, of the ACSO.
Crandall said at that time, Ballard was found to be in possession of several containers of unidentified substances that were believed to be illegal drugs, over $1,000 in cash and other evidence of drug trafficking.
“After initial testing, it was determined the substances are methamphetamine and synthetic hallucinogens, commonly referred to as ‘bath salts.’ The drugs are valued at about $2,500,” he said.
Following further investigation, officers went to Ballard’s residence to arrest him.
“Sheriff’s deputies and MDEA agents went to Ballard’s home on the Baird Road in Caribou, on Monday afternoon (June 30), and arrested him for trafficking in methamphetamine and synthetic hallucinogens — both Class B felonies. At the time of his arrest, Ballard was in possession of more bath salts; he was charged with possession of that as well,” said Crandall.
Ballard was transported to the Caribou Police Department where he posted bail. If convicted of the trafficking charges, Ballard faces up to 10 years in prison. No court date was given at presstime.