NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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On Sept. 15, 2023 at 10:25 p.m., a Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officer assigned to general patrol in 1 District (St. Catharines / Thorold) conducted a traffic stop on a 2019 Toyota Camry on Carlton Street near Shakespeare Avenue in the City of St. Catharines.
Upon speaking to the driver, who was the lone occupant in the vehicle, an open alcoholic beverage was observed in the centre console cup holder. The driver was directed to exit the vehicle and while doing so, two small clear plastic baggies with suspected fentanyl was observed between the driver’s seat and the floorboard. The driver was subsequently placed under arrest.
A search of the vehicle resulted in 17.8 grams of suspected purple fentanyl, 18.7 grams of suspected green fentanyl and 18.4 grams of suspected cocaine. In addition, Canadian currency in the amount of $1,245 that is believed to have been acquired through the proceeds of crime was recovered.
Roshawn Eric Palmer (33 years) of Toronto has been arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
• Fail to comply with release order
Palmer was further charged with driving a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor, contrary to section 42(1)(a) of the Ontario Liquor Licence Act.
Palmer was held for a bail hearing that took place on Sept. 16, 2023, via video link to the John Sopinka Courthouse, located at 45 Main St. E. in the City of Hamilton. He was remanded into the custody of Ontario Correctional Services.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the lead detective by dialling 905-688-4111, dial option 3, ext. 1009787.
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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