Former mayoral candidate facing drug charges following search of Shreveport business

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - Two Shreveport men, including a one-time Shreveport mayoral candidate, are behind bars facing drug charges following a month-long undercover operation by Caddo and Bossier narcotics agents.

According to the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Department, the investigation was prompted by information received by the Bossier Joint Narcotics Task Force, and it led agents with the Caddo-Shreveport Narcotics Unit and Louisiana State Police to an investigation of Ward Elmo Bryant, 58. Bryant's name might be familiar. He ran unsuccessfully for Shreveport mayor in 1998.

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During the investigation, CPSO says a Bossier Task Force agent purchased 48 grams of suspected meth from Bryant at his business, in the 3800 block of Lakeshore Drive. Bryant owns and operates the architectural and planning firm Bryant & Associates.

On Monday, agents from Caddo and Bossier executed a search warrant at the business and seized one handgun, 59 hydrocodone pills, 198.8 grams of marijuana, and 247 grams of meth.

Bryant was booked into the Caddo Correctional Center for possession of schedule II narcotics over 28 grams.

Also arrested at the business was Ricky Polo, 51, who was booked into CCC for possession of schedule II with intent to distribute.

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