In October 2023, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to the 1 District (St. Catharines / Thorold) Street Crime Unit commenced an investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs throughout the City of St. Catharines.
On October 26th, 2023, detectives received judicial authorization to execute search warrants on a residential address located on Rykert Street near Pelham Road, in the City of St. Catharines and on a 2015 Ford Fusion known to be operated by one of the suspects. As a result of the investigation, three suspects have been arrested. In total, 399.6 grams of suspected cocaine valued at $45,000 was seized. In addition, detectives also recovered $289 in combined Canadian and American currency that is believed to have been acquired through the proceeds of crime.
Romaine Delando BARNES (40 years) of St. Catharines has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking (2 counts)
Sheldon STEWART (39 years) of Brampton has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking (2 counts)
Chane Peris Cynthia DIXON (30 years) of Thorold has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking (2 counts)
BARNES, STEWART, and DIXON all remain in police custody. They are scheduled to attend a bail hearing later today (October 27th, 2023) via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the lead detective by dialing 905-688-4111, dial option #3, extension #1009130.
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 #23-120061