In February 2023, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) street crime detectives assigned to 2 District (Niagara Falls / Niagara-on-the-Lake) commenced an investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs throughout the City of Niagara Falls.
On Thursday March 2nd, 2023, detectives received judicial authorization to execute a search warrant at a residential address located in the area of Leeming Street near Highland Avenue, in the City of Niagara Falls. As a result of the investigation two individuals have been arrested. In total, detectives recovered 9.8 grams of suspected fentanyl, 31.9 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, and 28.2 grams of suspected cocaine. The combined estimated street value of the drugs is $5,584. In addition, detectives also seized $2,562 of Canadian currency believed to have been acquired through the proceeds of crime, a conductive energy weapon (taser), three pairs of brass knuckles, and a prohibited knife.
Jade Victoria LEBLANC (31 years) of Niagara Falls has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
• Possession of crystal methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000
• Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
• Fail to comply with release order
Devon Cleridand CICCARELLI (31 years) of Niagara Falls has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
• Possession of crystal methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000
• Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
• Fail to comply with release order
• Possession of fentanyl
LEBLANC and CICCARELLI remain in police custody and are being held for a bail hearing scheduled to take place later today (February 3rd, 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 detectives at 905-688-4111, dial option #3, extension #1008454.
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 #23-21280