A drug task force organized by district attorney Michael Jackson made several arrests last week in a continued effort to clean up Selma’s streets.

The Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Selma Police Department, Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department and Perry County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit all played a part in five drug and firearm arrests last weekend.

“We want this violence to stop. We want the city to be safe. We are here to keep everybody safe, work with the police, work with the sheriff’s department, work with the citizens,” said Larry Colston, commander of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.

On Thursday, Cardesh Bernard Pettway, 34, was arrested after a search warrant at 2115 L.L. Anderson Avenue recovered marijuana and a handgun. Pettway was charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana first and had bonds totaling $55,000.

Later Thursday evening, authorities arrested Robert D. Giles, 29, at the Valley Creek Apartments on Dallas Avenue. Giles, who goes by “Big Rob,” was charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana first. He was also on a probation hold for the jail. Authorities recovered a hand gun at the scene.

On Friday morning, police arrested Cedric Oliver, 29. Oliver, who was out on bond for a murder charge in 2014, was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and pistol without a permit. Oliver received no bond because of his other charge.

Later on Friday, police arrested Lorenzo Butler, 19, for possession of a short barrel shotgun, reckless endangerment and harassment. Butler received a $100,000 bond.

Kashabe Perkins, 29, was also arrested Friday evening and was charged with possession of marijuana second and domestic violence third. He was given a bond of $61,000.

“They are doing a good job rounding up all the gunslingers and gang members in Dallas County, and it’s going to be an ongoing effort,” Jackson said. “They should be commended for the job they are doing. They are getting Selma’s most wanted off the streets.”

Jackson said every day Selma citizens call his office with information about ongoing drug and crime problems. He thanked the community for its help in catching law breakers and making Selma a safer area to live.

“Some of these areas, only the folks who are being traumatized by these gangsters know about it,” Jackson said.

Colston urged anyone with information to contact the drug task force at 683-5001, the district attorney’s office at 874-2540, the Selma Police Department at 874-2140 or Dallas County Sheriff’s Department at 874-2530.