Niagara police charge 3 suspects in drug trafficking investigation

Niagara police charged three people in a Welland drug investigation and are searching for the fourth suspect.

Ryan Wilson, 42, of St. Catharines was identified as a suspect. On Tuesday, a search warrant was granted for a residence in the McAlpine Avenue South and Hagar Street area of Welland.

Before executing the warrant, Wilson was arrested in a vehicle in the Highway 20 and Highway 58 area of Thorold, along with Erica Santha, a 38-year-old Welland woman.

Police say a second woman from Welland, 24-year-old Kristen Walker, was arrested at the residence.

Officers recovered around $270,000 in suspected drugs including cocaine, ecstasy and fentanyl as well as brass knuckles and a .22 calibre handgun.

Wilson is facing several alleged charges including possession of fentanyl, opioids, cocaine and hydromorphone for the purpose of trafficking and various firearm-related offenses.

READ MORE: Niagara Falls man arrested in connection with child sexual abuse investigation

Walker has been accused of the same drug charges as Wilson in addition to unauthorized possession of a prohibited device.

Santha has been charged with the possession of fentanyl and cocaine as well as several firearm-related charges.

Investigators say they have issued an arrest warrant for 44-year-old Mitchell Channon of Welland who is accused of the same charges as Walker.

Police say Wilson, Santha and Walker remain in custody and are scheduled to attend bail hearings on Wednesday, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the authorities at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009667.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

READ MORE: Two men arrested in connection with St. Catharines home invasion