By BRIANA HARRIS / Staff Writer

PELHAM – A Pelham woman remains in the Shelby County Jail after being arrested on Friday, Feb. 9, and charged with trafficking heroin and being in possession of a slew of other drugs.

Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force Commander Clay Hammac said the SCDETF adopted the case from the Pelham Police Department. According to Hammac, Pelham patrol officers were responding to a complaint of suspicious activity in the parking lot of the Budgetel Inn and Suites on U.S. 31 when they encountered 37-year-old Ann Marie Lowery, who lists an address on Pelham Parkway.

Lowery was allegedly in possession of 9.76 grams of black tar heroin, fentanyl patches, methamphetamine, GHB – also known as a “date rape drug” – and prescription pills.

In addition to trafficking heroin, Lowery was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of controlled substance. She remained in Shelby County Jail on Feb. 13 on bonds totaling $106,000.

Hammac said the presence of black tar heroin, which is a thicker, higher-concentration form of heroin, is concerning to him. Black tar heroin is being circulated in other parts of the United States, but Hammac said it’s not a drug that is typically seen in Shelby County.

“It just means that we have to be more vigilant about interrupting supply chains,” he said.

Trafficking heroin is a Class A felony punishable by 10 years to life in prison and up to $60,000 in fines. The case has been assigned to Judge Daniel Crowson and a preliminary hearing has been set for March 1 at 8:30 a.m.

Hammac said the key to the success of the SCDETF is the cooperation of residents in the county who share information with law enforcement and the different law enforcement agencies that are a part of the SCDETF. The task force is made up of investigators from law enforcement agencies throughout Shelby County.

“Getting these drugs off the street happened as a result of the dedicated vigilance of hardworking patrol officers and the cooperation of the community,” Hammac said.