In September of 2025, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Detectives assigned to 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) Street Crime Unit (SCU) launched an investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs throughout the City of Niagara Falls.
On Thursday, October 2, 2025, detectives with the 2 District Street Crime Unit, with assistance from the NRPS Emergency Task Unit (ETU) and K9 Unit received judicial authorization to execute a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at two different addresses in Niagara Falls.
As a result of the investigation police seized the following:
142.9 grams of cocaine (estimated street value of $14,290) 480 dilaudid pills (estimated street value of $9,600) $2665 in Canadian currency
Marcus ROYE, a 31-year-old resident of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with the following criminal code offences:
Traffic in a schedule I substance (cocaine) Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking Obstruct peace officer Possession of proceeds of crime under $5000
Samantha BARTOLINI, a 34-year-old resident of Niagara Falls, has been arrested and charged with the following criminal code offences:
Traffic in a schedule I substance (cocaine) Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking Possession of proceeds of crime under $5000
BARTOLINI was released on an undertaking with a future court date.
ROYE remains in custody after attending a bail hearing on Thursday, October 2, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, dial option 3, extension 1009667.
Members of the community 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 people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.