Perhaps most surprisingly, a 65-year-old Redway woman named Mary Ballenta has been linked to the bust which went down Friday. According to investigators, the situation unfolded at approximately 10:36 p.m. when he was stopped by police in Siskiyou County after allegedly speeding through a construction zone along Interstate 5 near Mount Shasta Village.
65 year old woman was arrested after police found 1,000 pounds of 💨 She was stopped for speeding in a construction site. PIC.TWITTER.COM/T8KEM2QZAC
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) JUNE 29, 2024
What started as a standard traffic stop, then took an extraordinary turn. Apart from here, when the troops walked over to Balanta’s car and smelled strong smell of freshly-marijuana out there. Their attention was immediately aroused and what ensued would eventually bring to light a significant finding.
When asked for more information, Ballenta told police she was “bringing (the marijuana) into the city” but that no other questions would be answered. There is nothing to take away the concern of officers from her answer. A K9 unit was called out to help.
The smart canine went to work almost instantly, locating the hidden contraband within no time. Officers searched Ballenta’s car and found 52 bags of pot in trash bags. They added up to 1,030 pounds of marijuana.
The victim, Mary Ballenta at the age of 25 was arrested on-site with a timely arrest. She was arrested and is now facing felony charges of transportation and possession -for-sale in connection to marijuana. Ballenta was arrested and transported to Siskiyou County Jail for holding.
Community members can rest assured knowing Siskiyou law enforcement agencies are out in force, vigilant and intent on keeping illegal drugs from hitting the street. The idea of a grandma-like figure managing an operation this big might sound unusual, but it’s yet another example that drug trafficking can be skilfully masked in various guises.
