ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — August 13, 2025 — A large-scale narcotics investigation led by the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in one of the largest cocaine seizures in the county’s recent history, authorities announced Wednesday.
On Monday, August 11, 2025, the Sheriff’s Office Vice/Narcotics Unit—working alongside the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), Lexington Police Department, Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, and Thomasville Police Department—executed two search warrants in Rowan County as part of an ongoing probe into suspected trafficking activity.
The operation targeted Clarence William West, a Rowan County resident, who investigators say was operating at a trafficking level. The coordinated effort led to the seizure of approximately 19.6 kilograms of cocaine, valued at around $350,000 on the street, as well as $20,940 in cash and three firearms.
West was taken into custody and charged with:
- Two counts of Trafficking Cocaine
- Maintaining a Dwelling/Vehicle for Controlled Substance
- Money Laundering
- Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine
- Three counts of Possession of a Firearm by Felon
Authorities also arrested Monica Lynnet Sanders in connection with the case. Sanders faces the same trafficking, conspiracy, maintaining dwelling/vehicle, and money laundering charges as West.
Both suspects are being held on $1,000,000 secured bonds.
“This investigation represents a significant blow to the flow of dangerous narcotics into our community,” Sheriff Travis Allen said in a statement. “The coordinated work between local, state, and federal partners made this possible.”
The Sheriff’s Office credited the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for their assistance in the operation.
The case remains under active investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information about drug activity in Rowan County to contact the Sheriff’s Office.