Whiteville, NC – The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Vice-Narcotics Investigators have arrested two individuals after an investigation into the distribution of prescription pills.
During the week of July 1, 2019, CCSO Vice-Narcotics Investigators completed two undercover purchases of Schedule II narcotics from the Defendants in this case. Lashanda Gowans, 29, delivered Schedule II narcotics to the purchaser on two separate occasions. Clarence Shipman, 45, supplied the narcotics for the transactions to be completed.
CCSO Vice-Narcotics Investigators performed a traffic stop on Shipman. Shipman and his vehicle were searched. Shipman had an amount of money, a firearm, and additional Schedule II narcotics in his possession. Shipman was arrested and charged with Maintaining a Vehicle to Keep and Sell a Controlled Substance and three (3) counts of Trafficking Opium/Heroin. Shipman received a $105,000.00 secured bond. At the time of his arrest, Shipman was employed by Whiteville City Schools. CCSO Vice-Narcotics Investigators performed a traffic stop on Gowans. Gowans was arrested and charged with three (3) counts of Trafficking Opium/Heroin and Sell/Deliver Schedule II Controlled Substance. Gowans also had an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear on a Communicating Threats charge. Her bond was set at $110,000.00 secured.
