PINEVILLE, S.C. — A routine traffic stop in Pineville led to a drug trafficking arrest and the seizure of narcotics and a firearm, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Duane Lewis announced Monday that Thomas Anthony Giza, 53, of Bonneau, was arrested following the Feb. 16 stop. He faces multiple charges, including trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking MDMA—commonly known as ecstasy—and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Deputies say the incident began when a patrol deputy observed a white Toyota Tundra speeding and failing to maintain its lane on Edgewater Road near Highway 45.
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After initiating a traffic stop, the deputy deployed a K-9 unit, K9 Gery, to conduct a free-air sniff around the vehicle. Authorities say the dog alerted to the presence of narcotics in multiple areas.
A subsequent search of the truck uncovered approximately 60 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine, along with 104 pink pills believed to be MDMA.
Deputies also located a loaded Beretta semi-automatic handgun inside a bag beneath the narcotics, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators say Giza admitted the drugs belonged to him and acknowledged he was aware of the firearm inside the vehicle.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office says it remains focused on targeting drug trafficking and removing illegal narcotics and weapons from the community.
Anyone with information about drug activity is encouraged to contact the agency.
