MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — A Ladson man is facing multiple drug trafficking and weapons charges after an investigation by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office led deputies to seize large quantities of narcotics, firearms and cash.
Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis announced Wednesday that Rodney Mekhi Black, 24, of Erskine Drive in Ladson, was arrested following an investigation by the department’s Drug Enforcement Unit.
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Black faces several charges including trafficking cocaine, trafficking methamphetamine, failure to stop for blue lights and sirens, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and ten counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Investigation began with community tip
According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation began in November 2025 after deputies received an online tip about suspicious activity at a residence on Erskine Drive in Ladson.
Agents with the department’s Drug Enforcement Unit launched an investigation and eventually identified Black as being involved in criminal activity.
Traffic stop leads to arrest
On Feb. 26, deputies observed Black driving at a high rate of speed along College Park Road. When deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop, investigators say Black fled and threw narcotics out of his vehicle window.
Deputies were eventually able to stop the vehicle and take Black into custody.
During the traffic stop, deputies recovered:
- Approximately 17.48 grams of cocaine
- One firearm
- Three bags of marijuana
Search warrant uncovers drugs, guns and cash
Following the arrest, investigators executed a search warrant at Black’s residence on Erskine Drive.
During the search, deputies seized:
- Approximately 4.54 pounds of marijuana
- Approximately 1.11 pounds of methamphetamine
- About three dosage units of Alprazolam
- Approximately 24 dosage units of Schedule II tablets
- Four firearms
- About $8,047 in U.S. currency
Sheriff’s officials credited the investigation in part to tips from community members.
Authorities encourage anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it to law enforcement through dispatch or online tip reporting systems.
