Two illegal storefronts shut down in Niagara Region, two charged

A joint investigation by the OPP and Niagara police has shut down illegal storefronts in St. Catharines and Welland, resulting in two suspects charged.

Police identified alleged links between two unauthorized storefront operations and individuals suspected of trafficking illegal cannabis and controlled substances.

On June 19, officers executed a search warrant at an illegal cannabis dispensary in St. Catharines operating under the name 420 Zone.

Investigators say this dispensary was found to be operating without required authorization from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) or Health Canada.

Detectives seized suspected illegal cannabis, psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and dimethyltryptamine (DMT) products, along with contraband tobacco, with a combined estimated value of $32,000.

Over $11,000 in Canadian currency was also recovered.

Tyrel Russell, 33, of Hamilton, was arrested and is facing six charges including selling unstamped tobacco products and possession of psilocybin, LSD and DMT for the purpose of trafficking and possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling.

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Charlie Rodgers, 38, of Welland, was arrested and is facing five charges including possession of psilocybin for the purpose of trafficking and possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling.

Both accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Welland on Nov. 3.

On July 6, a search warrant was executed at an illegal psilocybin dispensary in Welland operating under the name Fun Guyz.

This dispensary was found to be operating without required authorization from the AGCO or Health Canada.

Investigators seized a quantity of psilocybin, illegal cannabis and cannabis products, DMT, LSD and contraband tobacco, with an estimated street value of over $18,000.

Both storefronts were shut down. Anyone who wishes to enter these premises, including owners, must apply to the Superior Court of Justice for permission.

Unauthorized entry into a building subject to an interim closure may result in charges of breaking and entering.

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On Aug. 27, officers responded to the dispensary in Welland following reports of a break-and-enter.

Upon arrival, investigators located an individual who was under conditions not to attend the storefronts in St. Catharines or Welland.

A search resulted in the seizure of contraband tobacco, DMT, LSD and psilocybin products with an estimated street value of over $19,000 and $1,000 in Canadian currency.

Russell was arrested and charged with additional offences including selling unstamped tobacco products and possession of psilocybin, LSD and DMT for the purpose of trafficking and break-and-enter with intent.

The accused was released after a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines on Oct. 6.

Anyone with information regarding the illegal sale of cannabis should contact the police at 1-888-310-1122.

Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.

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