A lengthy, multi-agency undercover investigation in a Selma neighborhood known for high drug activity yielded four arrests on Thursday.

Interim Selma Police Chief Jimmy Martin said the arrests took place in the 1500 block of St. Ann Street, an area law enforcement have received numerous complaints about the openly selling of drugs.

The investigation was carried out by officers from the Selma police Narcotics Unit, the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alabama State Troopers Narcotics Unit.

Martin said the team of investigators has been conducting surveillance in various areas of the city in an effort to reduce the amount of drugs being sold on city streets.

“There is no area of the city that has not been considered for surveillance,” Martin said. “We are determined to put a stop to the open selling of drugs in this city.”

Those arrested in the recent operation were identified as Joe Lewis Mitchell, 40, Joe Lewis Acoff, 22, Sandra Lee Mitchell, 38, and Michael Lavell Prevo, 26. Lt. Chuck Weber, of the SPD Narcotics Unit, said the arrests of these four suspects should help put an end of the problems residents of St. Ann Street have had as a result of drug activity.

So far, Martin said, the undercover investigations have proven successful in locating suspected drug dealers.

“Patrolling is not enough, only a temporary deterrent,” Martin said. “Going undercover and doing surveillance has been more effective in arresting people who are selling drugs.”

Officers who participated in the investigation along with Weber were Detectives Ray Moore and Curtis Muhannad of the SPD Narcotics Unit, Pat Grindle of the Fourth Judicial Task Force, Randy Tucker of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, and Greg Hodges of the State Troopers narcotics unit.