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Police seize over $70K in suspected fentanyl during Guns and Gangs investigation (6 photos)

Three people face multiple charges as a result; police seeking fourth suspect

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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Since the beginning of 2021, detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service Drug and Gang Unit have been conducting an investigation into drug trafficking in the Niagara Region.

Further investigation led to the identification of two suspects. 

On Tuesday June 8, 2021, with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit (ETU), a search warrant was executed at a residence in the area of Kenmir Avenue and Tanbark Road in the Town of Niagara on the Lake.

While entering the home, one of the suspects allegedly discharged a firearm in the direction of officers.

A search of the home resulted in the seizure of over 200 grams of fentanyl, with a street value of over $ 61,000 along with a firearm.

The investigation then led detectives to a second residence in the area of in the City of St. Catharines. A third male was arrested at the residence while a Canada Wide warrant was issued for the arrest of another male. 

At that residence, over 44 grams of fentanyl was seized with a street value of over $13,000.

In all, over $84,000 in currency was seized.

28-year-old Mashie Harper of Niagara on the Lake is facing the following charges:         

  • Discharging firearm - Recklessness manner Section 244.2(1)(a) Criminal Code.         
  • Possession of restricted firearm Section 91(1) Criminal Code         
  • Possession of restricted firearm knowing possession unauthorized Section 92(2)  Criminal Code         
  • Possession of restricted firearm with ammunition (loaded) Section 95(1) Criminal Code.         
  • Possession of prohibited device knowing possession unauthorized Section 92(2)  Criminal Code         
  • Careless storage of firearm Section 86(1) Criminal Code         
  • 2 counts) Possession of firearm contrary to Prohibition Order Section 117.01(1) Criminal Code        
  • Possession of Schedule I substance (Fentanyl) For Purpose of Trafficking Section 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act         
  • (2 counts) Possession of proceeds obtained By Crime Over $5,000 Section 355(a) Criminal Code

34-year-old Pietre Cleghorn of Niagara on the Lake is facing the following charges:         

  • Discharging firearm - Recklessness manner Section 244.2(1)(a) Criminal Code.         
  • Possession of restricted firearm Section 91(1) Criminal Code         
  • Possession of restricted firearm knowing possession unauthorized Section 92(2)  Criminal Code        
  • Possession of restricted firearm with ammunition (loaded) Section 95(1) Criminal Code.         
  • Possession of prohibited device knowing possession unauthorized Section 92(2)  Criminal Code         
  • Careless storage of firearm Section 86(1) Criminal Code         
  • Possession of Schedule I substance (Fentanyl) for purpose of trafficking Section 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act         
  • Possession of proceeds obtained By Crime Over $5,000 Section 355(a) Criminal Code.         
  • Possession of proceeds obtained By Crime Over $5,000 Section 355(a) Criminal Code.

34-year-old Rohan Chand of St. Catharines is facing the following charges:         

  • Possession of a Schedule  I substance for the purpose of trafficking S. 5(2) CDSA

Harper, Cleghorn and Chand were all held in custody prior to a bail hearing on Wednesday June 9, 2021.

27-year-old David McComb of St. Catharines is currently wanted by police on the charge(s) of:         

  • Possession of Schedule I substance (Fentanyl) for purpose of trafficking Section 5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act  

Anyone with further information is asked to contact detectives at (905) 688-4111, ext. 1009346.

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