Two people arrested following drug bust in North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA — Two people were arrested after deputies executed a major drug bust in Rowan County, seizing 43 pounds of cocaine, authorities said.

The bust occurred Monday, Aug. 11, when deputies carried out two search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation into Clarence West, who was suspected of trafficking-level drug activity.

During the raids, officials also recovered nearly $21,000 in cash and three firearms.

The sheriff’s office estimated the street value of the seized cocaine at approximately $350,000, making it one of the largest cocaine seizures in county history.

West and Monica Sanders were arrested and jailed under $1 million bonds. Both face multiple drug-related charges, including:

• Two counts of trafficking cocaine
• Maintaining a dwelling/vehicle for controlled substances
• Money laundering
• Conspiracy to traffic cocaine

In addition, West faces three counts of possession of a firearm by a felon.

The investigation is ongoing.