Man wanted, five charged in Niagara region drug bust

Five Niagara region residents have been charged and one Thorold man is at large as a result of a drug trafficking investigation that began in October of last year.

Niagara police say the nine-month long investigation revealed that 33-year-old Kyle Knight of Niagara Falls was allegedly leading a trafficking ring, which saw the purchasing of illegal drugs from outside of the region.

Officers say the drugs were then stored in multiple locations across Niagara for the purpose of selling within the area.

During a June 23 search, the following items were found and seized:

– 6 kilograms of suspected cocaine ($150,000);
– 5.1 kilograms of suspected crystal methamphetamine ($22,500);
– 7 kilograms of suspected oxycontin ($58,330);
– 2.68 kilograms of suspected fentanyl ($70,000);
– $16,680 in Canadian currency; and
– one 9mm semi-automatic handgun.

The four other people arrested and charged for drug trafficking are: Curtis Bennett, 48; Jody Roberts, 47; Linda Pizzi, 55, of Niagara Falls; and Jeffery Russell, 61, of Thorold.

An arrest warrant for Matthew Russell, 33, of Thorold has been issued. Russell is also wanted for possession of a firearm and various drug trafficking charges.

Detectives are asking anyone who sees or knows Matthew Russell to call 911 and to not approach him. The public can also contact Niagara police at 905-688-4111.

People with information who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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