One person arrested following drug bust in South Carolina

SOUTH CAROLINA — A North Charleston man faces multiple drug charges following a joint narcotics investigation by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and North Charleston Police Department.

William Edward Slaise III, 28, was taken into custody on August 21 and charged with trafficking cocaine, trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics, and possession with intent to distribute Schedule IV narcotics.

The investigation began in July when the Berkeley County Narcotics Task Force identified Slaise as a primary target in a probe into drug distribution within the county.

Deputies stopped Slaise’s vehicle on August 21. When he denied consent to search, a K9 unit conducted a free-air sniff that led to a probable cause search. Authorities recovered about 2.3 ounces of cocaine, 12.37 grams of MDMA, 74 Xanax tablets, and 136 Adderall tablets.

A subsequent search of Slaise’s residence by North Charleston Police yielded approximately 351 grams of cocaine and 41 grams of psilocybin.

“This case highlights the importance of collaboration between agencies,” said Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis. “Our deputies and partners with North Charleston Police worked seamlessly to disrupt a dangerous drug operation and keep these substances off the streets of Berkeley County.”

Slaise was initially held at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center and later transferred to North Charleston Police custody to face additional charges.