Winder drug investigation yields weapons and large marijuana seizures

The following was released today by the Winder Police Department:

On Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 6, 2025, the Winder Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence on South Broad Street in Winder as part of a drug investigation.

During the execution of the search warrant, officers located and seized approximately two pounds of high-grade marijuana and two firearms — an AR-style rifle and a semi-automatic shotgun. Both weapons were confirmed to have been stolen from other jurisdictions in Georgia.

Officers arrested 38-year-old resident Jihad Ballard, who was at home at the time of the search warrant. The investigation revealed Ballard had outstanding felony warrants from another state.

Ballard was taken into custody and faces the following felony charges in Barrow County:

• Possession of marijuana

• Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute

• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime

• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

• Theft by receiving stolen property

Ballard was transported to the Barrow County Detention Center, where he is awaiting a bond hearing and possible extradition to another state.

No further information is being released at this time.