Raids in Hope yield cars, drugs, $16,000, 4 arrests

TEXARKANA — Law enforcement agencies conducted four raids Wednesday afternoon at a Hope business and three apartments, where $16,000 in cash, drugs, three cars and a stolen motorcycle were confiscated.

The agencies participating in the raids were the 8th North Task Force, Arkansas State Police, Hope Police Department, Hempstead County sheriff’s office, Nevada County sheriff’s office, Prescott Police Department and the FBI.

Search and arrest warrants were served Wednesday afternoon after a yearlong investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine and other illegal substances in Hempstead County, Sheriff James Singleton said.

“Undercover agents over the past several months purchased methamphetamine at the KFC Restaurant from Edward Barzar, 40, one of the managers,” Singleton said. “Barzar was taken into custody at the restaurant without incident.”

One other KFC employee, Tierra Green, 23, of Hope, was arrested on charges of obstructing governmental operations and possession of marijuana, Singleton said.

No illegal drugs were found inside the KFC, but drug dogs detected marijuana in a vehicle in the parking lot, which resulted in Green being charged with marijuana possession, Singleton said.

During the KFC raid, other agents served two search warrants at the Imperial Apartments on South Main Street and one at an apartment in the San Fernando complex off old Lewisville Highway.

Agents confiscated 3.5 ounces of methamphetamine, more than 1 pound of marijuana, $16,000 in cash and several vehicles, authorities said.

Also arrested were Dale Wayne Sullivan, 53, of Hope, on a charge of possession of controlled substance with purpose, and Deidra Johnson, 24, of Hope.

All four were taken to the Hempstead County jail.