The Selma Police Department (SPD) arrested two after uncovering a heroin operation on Utah Street around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.

The Selma PD Fugitive Apprehension and Special Tactics (FAST) Team conducted a no-knock search warrant at a residence on Utah Street, which is in the Selma Police Jurisdiction.

SPD Chief Spencer Collier said the warrant was a culmination of an ongoing investigation by Selma CID and Narcotics Unit into a narcotics distribution case that was generated by what Collier called an “observant patrol officer.”

Collier said FAST utilized a “dynamic entry into the residence after intelligence indicated the possibility of the suspects being armed.”

Collier said the team found Timothy Brown, 34 of Selma and Inez Woods, 36 of Selma, inside the home along with an elderly female and two children and an infant.

“The target of the investigation was Woods, but while searching the residence, Selma Investigators, discovered that Brown was also in constructive possession of a variety of narcotics,” said Collier. “The ongoing investigation indicated that Woods was distributing a variety of drugs, including synthetic narcotics strips.  After a thorough search, Investigators located marijuana, two separate types of schedule II amphetamines.  A particularly alarming discovery located in the couple’s bedroom was heroin and scales.”

Collier said this type of discovery was “disturbing.”

“Heroin has returned as a dangerous drug of abuse throughout the United States over the past several years, leading to numerous overdoses across the country,” said Collier.  “In Alabama, heroin has plagued the northern part of the state, particularly in Jefferson County and counties north of I-20.  Fortunately, until today, the Selma community has been spared the scourge of heroin that has destroyed so many lives in Alabama and the United States.  Today’s discovery of heroin appears to be the first heroin arrest in Selma in over a decade.”

Woods was charged with distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, endangerment of a child by chemical substance and second-degree possession of marijuana.

Brown was charged with distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, endangerment of a child by chemical substance and first-degree possession of marijuana.

Woods was processed into the Dallas County Jail and is currently being held on no bond, according to Collier.

Brown also was processed into the Dallas County jail and is being held on no bond.

“The investigation indicated that the elderly female was not involved in any of the crimes,” Collier said. “Investigators called for an ambulance to check the health of the elderly female.  Additionally, Dallas County DHR responded in a very timely manner to assist with the children.  DHR removed the children from the home for their safety.”

Collier accompanied the FAST Team on the search warrant and served as Incident Commander, while FAST Team Commander, Sgt. Mike Kiser assumed tactical command.

“The genesis of this ongoing investigation is solely attributable to a new Selma patrol officer, Officer Marquis Moorer,” said Collier. “The ability to look beyond the traffic stop is vital to being a good officer.  Some law enforcement officers are naturals at this job and Officer Moorer has proven that in a short time. I am very proud of him.”

Collier also praised Dallas County DHR and Selma PD Special Victims Investigator Beauty Benjamin for taking the lead in ensuring the safety of the children and elderly female.

Collier also praised the efforts of the assigned case agent Investigator Matt Till.

“Matt is a natural narcotics investigator.  His instinct and skill are as keen as any I have seen in my career,” Collier said. “The possession and distribution of heroin in our community worries me and it’s my sincere hope it’s an anomaly.  However, that’s probably wishful thinking.  Unfortunately, it appears heroin, which is often laced with deadly fentanyl, has emerged as a new threatening drug.” 

Collier pointed out recent criticism in public and social media of Selma PD training and using tactical operators to combat gun violence and drug eradication in the community.

“It’s easy for one to sit safely in their home and embolden them self behind a computer screen,” said Collier. “When their sole purpose is to criticize my decision as Chief to ensure that our operators receive the best tactical training and the equipment they need to ensure they come home every night.  I know the anti-government, borderline Sovereign Citizen rhetoric being spewed by a few is not the sentiment of the overwhelming majority of our community.  My advice to this vocal few is to stay behind the computer and further their self-described law enforcement and tactical expertise by playing Tom Clancy games and leave the tactical operations to the brave men and women of the Selma Police Department.”

Collier said Tuesday’s arrest follows several felony drug arrests in Selma over the past two days.