Review of actions leading to October arrests in Garland County

The year-long investigation by the 18th East Drug Task Force netted four arrests, including one in October that was tied to this case. Originating in Texas, the drugs were being distributed throughout Garland County.

On October 24th, members of the DTF executed a search warrant at 5938 Albert Pike Road. This location is the residence and business location of Dennis Barton, who owns Perfect Pitch Prop Shop. Agents had purchased suspected marijuana from Barton at this location, on five separate occasions, since March. A search warrant of residence and business netted approximately 15 pounds of marijuana, paraphernalia and three firearms. Seized were 3 vehicles, a tractor, car-hauler and $9,289.00 in cash. The home and business are also under pending seizure.

Barton was charged with 5 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Deliver, Maintaining a Drug Premise and Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms.

Agents continued their investigation on Tuesday, executing a warrant at 177 Pinegrove Lane in Royal, taking Jerry Don Smith into custody without incident.

During a search of Smith's residence, 111 suspected marijuana plants, 13 pounds of processed marijuana, powder cocaine and methadone pills were located. Smith was charged with Maintaining a Drug Premise, Manufacturing Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Methadone. The Pinegrove property is under pending seizure.

While on scene at Smith's residence, investigator's received information that a targeted suspect, Abraham Anzaldua Jr., of Corpus Christi, TX, was in Hot Springs. Anzaldua has been a target of the investigation for the past year because of his suspected involvement in the narcotics distribution in Garland County.

A phone call was made to Anzaldua, ordering 2 ounces of cocaine, and he delivered the drugs to an undercover officer at the Pinegrove residence, where he was taken into custody without incident and charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Marijuana. Investigators seized his 1997 Ford Expedition and $1,282.00 in cash.

While investigator's were executing the warrant at Pinegrove, a second warrant was being executed at 461 Williamson Road, utilizing the Garland County Tactical Response Team to execute the warrant and secure the scene.

TRT members encountered two people inside the residence who were detained without incident. During the search, suspected marijuana, firearms and paraphernalia were located. The owner of the residence, Leland Williamson, a convicted felon, was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons and Maintaining a Drug Premise.

The D.T.F. is composes of officers with the HSPD, Garland County Sheriff's Department and Arkansas State Police.