Two charged after Niagara police seize nearly $120K in drugs, replica handgun

Two people are facing multiple charges after Niagara police seized $119,680 worth of illegal drugs and a replica handgun.

Officers say this month they launched an investigation into a man and a woman accused of trafficking controlled substances within the Niagara region.

Police arrested the suspects Wednesday at a business on Crowland Avenue in Welland.

Investigators were authorized to search a home on Grayson Avenue in Fort Erie, where they recovered $99,540 worth of cocaine, $20,140 worth of fentanyl, a replica handgun, an extendable baton, $11,100 Canadian and US$350.

Ernest Stillwell, 43, of Port Colborne was charged with six offences, including drug-related charges and possession of a weapon contrary to prohibition order.

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Olivia Morgante, 36, of Fort Erie was charged with four offences, also including drug-related charges and unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon.

Stillwell remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing Thursday at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.

Morgante was released with a future court date.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1008915.

To report a tip and remain anonymous, call 289-248-1058.

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