Detectives also seized $15,000 in cash believed to be acquired through the proceeds of crime

Two men have been charged following an investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs within the City of Niagara Falls.

Earlier this week, detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) raided a residence, arresting one man inside the home, and another man at a nearby intersection, after seizing varying amounts of fentanyl, crystal meth and cannabis.

According to a news release, the investigation resulted in the seizure of 10.3 grams of fentanyl, 3.2 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 1,660 grams of cannabis.

Detectives also seized $6,000 worth of power tools believed to have been previously stolen and over $15,000 in cash believed to be acquired through the proceeds of crime.

The two men, aged 47 and 36, face multiple charges, including possession of cannabis for the purpose of distributing, a violation of the federal Cannabis Act. The charge can lead to a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

The men are due in court in St. Catharines in June.

In 2020, NRPS investigated what is believed to be the largest illicit cannabis grow ever busted by the force.

A months-long police probe, dubbed Project Blowfish, led to the seizure of more than 17,000 cannabis plants in St. Catharines. The large-scale grow was estimated to be worth $34 million.

Eleven people, some from the local area, others from the Greater Toronto Area, as well as one suspect from New York, were arrested at the scene.

“Illegal operations such as these pose several concerns and potential issues for the community and nearby residents; including offensive odour and the potential for violence,” notes the NRPS, who were acting on tips received from the public.

Last year, a Niagara Falls man was arrested for running an illicit cannabis delivery service after a tip from the public about a man smoking cannabis inside his vehicle in a residential neighbourhood. When police followed up, they found a recently smoked joint stubbed out next to the vehicle.

A subsequent search revealed a “substantial amount” of illicit cannabis products including cannabis-infused edibles, pre-rolled joints, CBD oil, and dried flower. Police also discovered an unspecified quantity of cash, estimating the total value of the seizure at approximately $13,000.