By Blake Bell

The Andalusia Star-News

 

FLORALA — Florala police officers say they likely stopped the sale of nearly 100 grams of marijuana before it ever happened, all with a single traffic stop Thursday.

Florala Police Department Sgt. Paul Adams said officer Joshua Hudson pulled a vehicle over for speeding just before 8 p.m. and immediately smelled the strong odor of marijuana.

“Josh is one of the best officers we have,” Adams told The Andalusia Star-News. “He immediately called me for backup, and during a search of the vehicle, we found a large quantity of hydrocodone pills, about a quarter ounce of marijuana in one bag and then there were little baggies of marijuana we found hidden in the tail lights.”

Adams said there were a total of 25 baggies of marijuana in the vehicle, each containing three-to-four grams of pot. A set of digital scales also found in the car, coupled with the packaging of the marijuana, led officers to believe the suspects were transporting the drugs with the intent to sale them.

Steven Dejuan Goodwin, 21, of Selma, was charged with possession of marijuana first, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and receiving stolen property and held on a $150,000 bond.

Dantrell Lascott Reeves, 18, of Selma, charged with possession of marijuana first, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia and held on a $125,000 bond.

Adams said a .45 caliber handgun that was reported stolen in Selma was also found in the vehicle.

According to Lt. Curtis Muhannad with the Selma Police Department, the handgun was stolen from Rangedale Apartments on March 24 in what was described as an unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle.

Muhannad said the department was waiting to receive the gun from Florala authorities in order to further research the handgun, it’s registry and any history.

Selma officials have not filed any charges against Goodwin or Reeves at this point.

A third suspect, a juvenile, also of Selma, also was charged.