A 28-year-old North Charleston man is facing serious drug charges after investigators say they uncovered a large stash of illegal substances during a joint operation between the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and the North Charleston Police Department.
Suspect Identified
Authorities identified the suspect as William Edward Slaise III. He was arrested on August 21 following a traffic stop and now faces several felony charges, including:
Trafficking cocaine
Trafficking methamphetamine
Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II narcotics
Possession with intent to distribute Schedule IV narcotics
Traffic Stop Leads to Major Discovery
The case began in July, when the Berkeley County Narcotics Task Force targeted Slaise in an investigation into drug distribution across the county.
On August 21, deputies stopped his vehicle. When Slaise denied consent for a search, a K9 unit conducted a free-air sniff, leading to probable cause. Inside the vehicle, officers found:
2.3 ounces of cocaine
12.37 grams of MDMA
74 Xanax tablets
136 Adderall tablets
Search of Home Uncovers More Drugs
Later, North Charleston Police executed a search warrant at Slaise’s residence. That search turned up:
351 grams of cocaine
41 grams of psilocybin (hallucinogenic mushrooms)
Sheriff’s Statement
Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis praised the teamwork that led to the arrest:
“This case highlights the importance of collaboration between agencies. 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.”
Custody Status
Slaise was first booked into the Hill-Finklea Detention Center before being transferred into North Charleston Police custody to face additional charges.
