In April 2023, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) detectives assigned to 1 District (St. Catharines / Thorold) Street Crime Unit commenced an investigation into the distribute of illegal drugs throughout the City of St. Catharines. As a result, two suspects were arrested, one loaded handgun was seized and a total of $149,820 worth of illicit drugs was recovered.
On June 26th, 2023, detectives observed a suspect known as “D” area of Niagara Street and Church Street, in the City of St. Catharines. The suspect was placed under arrest. Search incident to arrest revealed 365.8 grams of suspected cocaine, 90.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and 68 grams of suspected fentanyl.
Abdul BANGURA (26 years) of Scarborough was arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
BANGURA was held in custody and attended a bail hearing on June 27th, 2023, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines. He has since been remanded into the custody of Ontario Correctional Services.
On June 28th, 2023, detectives observed a suspect known as “Penny” operating a white 2023 Hyundai Tucson in the area of Lake Street near Carlton Street, in the City of St. Catharines. The suspect was placed under arrest and the vehicle was seized pending a search warrant authorized by the judiciary. In total, detectives recovered one loaded 9mm handgun, 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 536.9 grams of suspected cocaine, and 69.9 grams of suspected fentanyl. In addition, detectives recovered $987.55 of Canadian currency believed to have been acquired through the proceeds of crime.
Malcolm CASSELLS (32 years) of Scarborough has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:
• Possession of a Restricted or Prohibited Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a Licence
• Possession of a Firearm, Weapon, Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order
• Possession of a Restricted or Prohibited Firearm without Holding a Licence
• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
• Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
• Careless Storage of a Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking
CASSELLS was held for a bail hearing that took place earlier today (June 29th, 2023) via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines. He has since been remanded into the custody of Ontario Correctional Services.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, dial option #3, extension #1009552.
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 #23-69727
