Traffic Stop Leads To Unusual Drug Arrests

On 09/01/23 at 4:49 PM, Clay County Investigator Nick Queen stopped a blue Chevrolet Suburban on US HWY 64 east near the Catalyst Church east of Hayesville, N.C. Investigator Queen recognized the driver to be Joshua Ryan Lowe, 36 years of age from Hayesville prior to this traffic stop.

Once the Suburban was stopped, Investigator Queen found Shanda “DJ” Crowder, 31 years of age from Hayesville to be a passenger within the vehicle. Clay County Sgt Steven Queen and Clay County Officer TJ Major soon arrived to the location of this vehicle stop to assist Investigator Queen.

When Investigator Queen asked Lowe to step out of the vehicle, a glass smoking pipe fell to the ground. It was then picked up by Lowe, thrown, and shattered on a rock. During a search of Lowe’s person, Investigator Queen found a baggy containing marijuana. During this traffic stop Sgt Smith deployed his K-9, Luca, to assist in the search of the Suburban.

A search of the vehicle yielded another glass smoking device, other items of drug

paraphernalia, two baggies containing suspected psychedelic mushrooms, a brown crystal-like substance that field tested positive for Methamphetamine, and two baggies containing a white powder that field tested positive for Fentanyl.

Lowe and Crowder were both arrested and charged with Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Fentanyl, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver a Sch I Controlled Substance (Mushrooms), and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Lowe and Crowder were placed

under a $35,000 secured bond.

Clay County Officers don’t often see folks with psychedelic mushrooms which are classed with the most dangerous and serious of drugs within Schedule I of the Controlled Substance Act. This schedule of drugs also contains LSD and Heroin. The most common of these are Psilocybin Mushrooms also known as “Shrooms”.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.