MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – A traffic stop in Moncks Corner led to a fentanyl trafficking arrest Monday, authorities said.
According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested 27-year-old Tiraj Ontario Townsend after allegedly locating narcotics during a vehicle stop near South Live Oak Drive and Cypress Gardens Road.
Sheriff Duane Lewis said the stop occurred Feb. 19 when deputies pulled over a blue Jeep for defective equipment and an expired license plate decal. The vehicle stopped at the BP gas station at the intersection.
Before the vehicle came to a complete stop, deputies observed the driver — later identified as Townsend — allegedly opening the door. Deputies reported smelling marijuana and said Townsend admitted there was a small amount inside.
During a probable cause search, deputies located a partially burned marijuana cigar beneath the vehicle’s radio and a small bag containing a green leafy substance on the passenger seat. In the center console, deputies found a clear bag containing a brown crystal-like substance.
Authorities said the substance weighed approximately 71.15 grams and field-tested positive for fentanyl.
Townsend was booked into the Hill-Finklea Detention Center and charged with trafficking fentanyl, 28 grams or more.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid linked to overdose deaths nationwide. The investigation remains ongoing.
This case may be relevant to local commuters and students traveling through the South Live Oak Drive corridor.
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