In June 2023, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Opioid Enforcement and Education Unit (OEEU) detectives with the assistance of the St. Catharines Street Crime Unit commenced an investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs throughout the City of St. Catharines.
On May 10th, 2023, detectives received judicial authorization to execute a search warrant on Ontario Street near Beech Street, in the City of St. Catharines. As a result of the investigation, three suspects have been arrested and charged. In total, 210 grams of suspected fentanyl and 26 grams of suspected cocaine was seized. The combined estimated total of the seized drugs is $44,600. In addition, detectives also recovered $2,987 believed to have been acquired through the proceeds of crime.
Marcus MAKHURANE-CHAFUDZIKA (33 years) of Richmond Hill has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Under $5000
Peter LANGRIDGE (38 years) of St. Catharines has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
Lee Alan WALTERS (48 years) of St. Catharines has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
The NRPS Opioid Enforcement and Education Unit (OEEU) is funded by the Ontario Government’s Community and Safety Policing Grant. The OEEU is a Niagara Regional Police Service initiative focused on education regarding the risk associated with illicit opioid use, while incorporating enforcement to address opioid-related issues within our community.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, dial option #3, extension #1009476.
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.
Incident #23-114101
