Two people charged after Niagara police seize over $11K in illicit substances

Niagara police have charged two people after seizing over $11,000 in illicit substances during a search at a Niagara Falls home Wednesday night.

Officers executed a search warrant at a home on Buchanan Avenue at around 8 p.m., as part of an investigation into the illegal trafficking of drugs.

Investigators arrested 43-year-old Catherine Van Bergen and 32-year-old Tyler Cormier, both of Niagara Falls, whom were inside the home.

Detectives seized during the investigation:

• 334 Hydromorphone tablets with an estimated street value of $6,680;
• 52.5 grams of Fentanyl with an estimated street value of $5,250;
• $3,651 in Canadian currency;
• $444 in U.S. currency;
• Two expandable metal batons.

Van Bergen has been charged with offences including: possessing fentanyl for the purposes of trafficking, possessing hydromorphone for the purposes of trafficking and for possessing under proceeds obtained by crime under $5,000.

Cormier is facing similar charges, as well as one charge for failing to comply with a release order.

Van Bergen and Cormier remain in custody, and are scheduled to attend a bail hearing at a St. Catharines courthouse Thursday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at (905) 688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009558.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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