Narcotics Search Warrant Executed in Lebanon Home

Two individuals barricaded themselves inside, leading to use of less-lethal force by police

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:20am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small plastic bag containing white powder, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the evidence seized during a narcotics-related search warrant.A recent narcotics search warrant execution in Lebanon exposes the ongoing challenges of the opioid crisis in New Hampshire communities.Lebanon Today

The Lebanon Police Department executed a narcotics-related search warrant at a residence on Eldridge Street on April 17, 2026, following an investigation into suspected drug activity. During the execution of the warrant, officers made multiple arrests and seized drugs, cash, and firearms from the home.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating the opioid crisis and drug-related crimes in New Hampshire communities. The use of less-lethal force and the involvement of individuals with prior criminal histories raise concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

The details

Officers made contact with multiple individuals inside the home, including Erik White, who was arrested on an outstanding warrant, and two others, Zachary Markva and April Arnold, who barricaded themselves inside a portion of the residence. After unsuccessful attempts to gain their compliance, officers deployed less-lethal pepper ball rounds and made entry, taking Markva and Arnold into custody. Both face charges of resisting arrest. During the search, police located drugs, including fentanyl and crack cocaine, as well as cash and firearms.

  • The search warrant was executed on April 17, 2026, at approximately 5:25 p.m.
  • Markva was previously arrested by the Lebanon Police Department on March 9, 2026, after waiving extradition from the Southern State Correctional Facility.
  • Markva was released on pretrial services by the court but recently failed to appear for a scheduled hearing, leading to a new no-bail warrant being issued.
  • Arnold was involved in a prior incident in July 2022 on Dana Street, during which she was charged with felony drug offenses and required officers to deploy pepper ball rounds to gain compliance.

The players

Erik White

A 53-year-old Lebanon resident who was arrested on an outstanding bench warrant and transported to the Grafton County House of Corrections.

Zachary Markva

A 36-year-old White River Junction resident who was taken into custody and charged with resisting arrest/detention. Markva had a prior warrant for multiple drug-related charges and was recently terminated from the pretrial services program for violating the conditions of his release.

April Arnold

A 41-year-old Orange resident who was taken into custody and charged with resisting arrest/detention. Arnold was also involved in a prior incident in July 2022 on Dana Street, during which she was charged with felony drug offenses and required officers to deploy pepper ball rounds to gain compliance. Arnold is currently on parole in New Hampshire.

Lebanon Police Department

The law enforcement agency that executed the narcotics-related search warrant and made the arrests.

Grafton County House of Corrections

The correctional facility where Erik White, Zachary Markva, and April Arnold were transported and held.

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What they’re saying

“No comment.”

— Lebanon Police Department, Spokesperson

What’s next

The Lebanon Police Department will continue its investigation into the drug activity at the Eldridge Street residence. Markva and Arnold will face arraignment and potential further legal proceedings related to the charges they are facing.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating the opioid crisis and drug-related crimes in New Hampshire communities. The use of less-lethal force and the involvement of individuals with prior criminal histories raise concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in addressing these complex issues.