North Charleston police arrested Treance Thaddeus Smalls, 28, Friday evening following a traffic stop that yielded a significant quantity of narcotics and a loaded handgun. The arrest, which occurred near the Siesta Motor Lodge on Rivers Avenue, resulted in multiple charges, including trafficking fentanyl and several firearms offenses. This incident adds another layer to Smalls’ existing legal challenges, as he was previously out on bond for a separate violent crime.
According to police reports, officers with the South Evenings Team 1 were patrolling the area around 8 p.m. When they observed a vehicle parked in front of the motel. An officer noticed the front passenger, later identified as Smalls, quickly lower his head and slump down in his seat as the patrol car passed, raising suspicion. After initiating contact with the vehicle’s occupants, officers detected the odor of marijuana, leading to a probable cause search of Smalls.
The search revealed a Crown Royal bag containing 18.2 grams of cocaine base, 4.2 grams of fentanyl powder, 10.8 grams of methamphetamine and 19 oxycodone pills. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a handgun loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition. The discovery of these drugs and the firearm led to a series of serious charges against Smalls, highlighting the ongoing concerns surrounding drug trafficking and gun violence in the region.
Charges Filed Against Smalls
Smalls now faces a total of eight charges, including trafficking fentanyl, a particularly serious offense given the ongoing opioid crisis. He is also charged with trafficking cocaine base, three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, unlawful possession of a handgun, and possession of Schedule II narcotics. These charges reflect the severity of the alleged offenses and the potential danger posed by the alleged illegal activity.
The charges of possessing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime are particularly noteworthy, as they suggest a connection between the drugs and potential violent acts. South Carolina law carries significant penalties for such offenses, potentially adding substantial time to any eventual sentence. Smalls was transported to the Al Cannon Detention Center following his arrest.
Previous Legal Issues
This represents not Smalls’ first encounter with the criminal justice system. Records show he was previously arrested and released on bond in connection with a 2019 slaying, awaiting trial. The Post and Courier reported in December 2020 that Smalls posted a $175,000 bond before being rearrested on an attempted murder charge. This history raises questions about the effectiveness of the county’s bond system and its ability to protect the public from repeat offenders.
The Charleston County arrest record confirms Smalls’ booking date as February 28, 2026, at 12:47 AM. The record also details his age, gender, and race, providing a basic demographic overview of the individual involved in the case.
Fentanyl Trafficking Concerns
The inclusion of fentanyl trafficking among the charges is particularly alarming. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid significantly more potent than morphine, and even small amounts can be lethal. The 4.2 grams of fentanyl powder seized in this case represent a substantial risk to public health. Count on 2 News reported that officers described the quantities of drugs found as “significant.”
The ongoing fentanyl crisis continues to plague communities across the United States, and law enforcement agencies are working to disrupt the supply chain and hold traffickers accountable. This arrest represents one small step in that larger effort, but it underscores the persistent challenges of combating the illegal drug trade.
As of now, there is no information available regarding Smalls’ legal representation or upcoming court dates. Further updates will be provided as they become available from official sources. The case highlights the complex interplay between drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and the challenges of ensuring public safety in Charleston County.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about an arrest and pending charges. It does not constitute a finding of guilt, and Smalls is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please reach out for help. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). You can find additional resources at https://www.samhsa.gov/.
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