Law enforcement agencies conducted four simultaneous raids Wednesday afternoon at a Hope, Ark., business and three apartments, where $16,000 in cash, drugs, three cars and a stolen motorcycle were confiscated.
The agencies participating in the raids included the 8th North Task Force, Arkansas State Police, Hope, Ark., Police Department, Hempstead County Sheriff's Department, Nevada County Sheriff's Office, Prescott Police Department and the FBI.
Search and arrest warrants were served about 4 p.m. Wednesday at Kentucky Fried Chicken, Imperial Apartments and San Fernando Apartments 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 for obstructing governmental operations and possession of marijuana," Singleton said.
No illegal drugs were found inside KFC, but a K-9 detected marijuana in a vehicle in the parking lot, which resulted in Green being charged with marijuana, Singleton said.
During the KFC raid, other agents executed two search warrants at the Imperial Apartments on South Main Street and one at an apartment in the San Fernando apartment complex off old Lewisville Highway.
Agents confiscated 100 grams of meth, more than a pound of marijuana, $16,000 in cash and several vehicles. Officers obtained a search warrant for another apartment, which resulted in recovery of a stolen motorcycle.
The cars that were confiscated were a Ford Mustang convertible, Mercedes-Benz and a Nissan Maxima.
Also arrested were Dale Wayne Sullivan, 53, of Hope, for possession of controlled substance with purpose, and Deidra Johnson, 24, of Hope.
All four were taken to the Hempstead County Detention Center, where they are awaiting a first court appearance.
"More arrests will come if you choose to sell drugs in Hempstead County," Singleton said.