NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In March of 2021, detectives from the 3 District Welland Street Crime Unit began to investigate the sale of illegal drugs from a residence in Welland.
Over the course of the investigation, detectives were able to identify a male suspect.
On March 25, 2021, the male suspect was stopped and arrested by detectives in the area of Boulder Lane, and Victoria Street in Welland. At the time of the suspect’s arrest he was found in possession of loaded hand gun, three individually wrapped packages (containing what is suspected to be fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine) and over $6,000 Canadian.
Detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant for the accused residence on Lincoln Street near Wellington Street in Welland.
As a result of the search of the suspect at the time of his arrest and the search warrant at his home detectives seized the following suspected illegal drugs:
- Fentanyl
- Crystal methamphetamine
- cocaine
- Percocet (oxycodone)
- Hydromorphone
The estimated street value of the seized drugs is $104,600.
John Joseph Hibbert (53 years old) of Welland has been arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance, to wit fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance, to wit crystal methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance, to wit hydromorphone for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance, to wit oxycodone for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance, to wit cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act
- Possession of proceeds obtained by crime over $5,000, section 355(a) Criminal Code
- Careless Storage of Firearm, contrary to section 86(1) of the Criminal Code.
- Carry concealed weapon, contrary to section 90 of the Criminal Code.
- Possession of a firearm, to wit a .25 caliber handgun knowing that he was not the holder of a licence under which he may possess it, contrary to section 92(1) of the Criminal Code
- Unauthorized Possession in Motor Vehicle, contrary to section 94(1) of the Criminal Code.
- Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition, contrary to section 95 of the Criminal Code. (Loaded .25 caliber handgun)
- Possess Weapon Contrary to Court imposed Prohibition, contrary to section 117.01(1) of the Criminal Code.
- Fail to Comply with Release Order, contrary to section 145(5)(a) Criminal Code (two counts)
Brianne Ashely Adams (26 years old) who resides with Hibbert in Welland was also arrested. Adams has been arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance, to wit fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled drugs and Substance Act
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance, to wit crystal methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance, to wit hydromorphone for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance, to wit oxycodone for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance, to wit cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act
- Fail to Comply with a probation order contrary to section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code (two counts)
Hibbert and Adams were both held in custody and attended video bail hearings at the Robert S. K. Welch Court House (St. Catharines) on March 26, 2021.
Anyone with information about Hibbert, Adams or this investigation is being asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, 1023300.
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