NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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In March of 2024, members of the Human Trafficking Unit and 1 District Street Crime Unit with the Niagara Regional Police Service, commenced an investigation into alleged illegal activities occurring at a residence in the area of Read Road and Lakeshore Road, in the City of St. Catharines.
On March 19, 2024, Human Trafficking Detectives were granted judicial authority to enter the residence. As a result, an extensive search of the residence and surrounding property in relation to a human trafficking investigation was conducted with the assistance of detectives with the 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara on the Lake) and 3 District (Welland/Pelham) Street Crime Units, the Emergency Task Unit, the K9 Unit, the Marine Unit, detectives with Forensic Services and 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold)) uniform officers.
The warrant was executed at approximately 10 a.m. 1 District Street Crime detectives sought a second search warrant for the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act purposes, which was granted to continue the search at the location.
The following was seized as a result:
- 188 grams in fentanyl
- 154 grams of crack cocaine
- 31 oxycodone pills
- 91 hydromorphones
- 293 grams of crystal meth
- $7,000 in proceeds of crime
- Personal items related to the investigation
The estimated street value of the total drugs seized is $80,000. A large stolen recreational trailer was also located and seized (estimated value of $25,000).
There have been no charges laid in regards to human trafficking at this time, however this incident remains under investigation.
City of St. Catharines Bylaw, the St. Catharines Fire Department, and building inspectors attended to assess the property for safety concerns and violations under their own authorities. Their investigation and fines remain ongoing.
Brian Mao (38 years old) of St. Catharines, was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking (four counts)
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
Chelsea Vankekem (30 years old) of no fixed address was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking (four counts)
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
David Venketeswaran (52 years old) of St. Catharines was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Outstanding arrest warrant for fail to attend court
Peter Dipinto (49 years old) of no fixed address was arrested and charged with the following offence:
- Outstanding arrest warrant for fail to attend court
Joseph Fowler (33 years old) of St. Catharines was arrested and charged with the following offence:
- Outstanding arrest warrant for fail to comply
Travis Gillan (54 years old) of Thorold, was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Outstanding arrest warrant for fail to attend court
- Outstanding warrant for fail to comply
Jason Grove (58 years old) of St. Catharines was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Outstanding arrest warrant for fail to attend court
Scott Russell (54 years old) of no fixed address was arrested and charged with the following offence:
- Outstanding arrest warrant for fail to attend court
Grove was released on a Form 10-Undertaking with a future court date.
All remaining accused were sent to bail pending a video bail hearing that took place on March 20, 2024, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church St. in the City of St. Catharines.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009231.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
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