NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In November 2022, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) street crime detectives assigned to 3 District (Welland / Pelham) commenced an investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs throughout the City of Welland.
On Nov. 23, 2022, detectives applied for and received judicial authorization to execute two search warrants on residential addresses in the City of Welland. The first address was located in the area of Memorial Park Drive and Quebec Avenue and the second address was located in the area of Ontario Road and Canal Bank Street. As a result of the investigation two individuals have been arrested. In total, detectives recovered 688.1 grams of suspected cocaine, 346.2 grams of suspected fentanyl, and 237.8 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine. The combined estimated value of all seized drugs is $196,000. Detectives also seized Canadian currency exceeding $5,000 which is believed to have been acquired through the proceeds of crime.
Dryden Richard Berketo (27 years) of Welland has been arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
- Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
Andrew Romanyk (38 years) of Welland has been arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking
- Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
Berketo was held for a bail hearing scheduled to take place on Nov. 24, 2022, at the Welland Courthouse located at 102 East Main Street, in the City of Welland.
Romanyk was released on a Form 10 Undertaking and is scheduled to attend court on Feb. 23, 2023, at the Welland Courthouse located at 102 East Main Street, in the City of Welland.
Anyone with information related this investigation is asked to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, dial option #3, extension #1009565.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
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