Thursday, March 28, 2024

Timer

Police seize largest single stash of fentanyl in Niagara history

First Published:

Niagara Regional Police have arrested 56-year-old Peter Caponcini of St. Catharines following the largest fentanyl bust in NRPS history with an approximate value of $3.6 million.

Detectives seized over 400 lbs of an unknown powder, 100 kgs of cutting agents, 20,000 fentanyl pills, 160 grams of cocaine and $150,000 in equipment.

Police say that the Major Drug and Gang Unit and Intelligence Unit started working on this case in January. On February 4th, police pulled Caponcini over as part of a traffic stop where he was going 160km/hr on the QEW in the Town of Lincoln. Police discovered 1025 fentanyl tablets, 25 grams of cocaine and $1400.00 in currency.

As a result police were able to execute warrants at three residence in relation to Caponcini. Areas include Scholfield Road and Olden Avenue in Niagara Falls, Rykert Street and Louth Street in St. Catharines, and Prince William Street and Queen Victoria Avenue in Lincoln.

Due to the mass quantity of fentanyl related materials in the home, the OPP’s Clandestine Lab Investigation Response Team was requested to assist with safe dismantling of the site.

Capocini has been charged with the following offences:

  • 2 counts Possession of a controlled substance to wit Fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking – Section 5(2) CDSA
  • Possession of a controlled substance to wit Cocaine for the purpose of trafficking – Section 5(2) CDSA
  • Possession of proceeds of crime Under $5000 – Section 355(b) CC
  • Production – Section 7(1) CDSA

“I am immensely proud of the collaborative policing effort that has resulted in the substantial removal of these illicit and deadly drugs from the streets of Niagara,” said Chief of Police Bryan MacCulloch. “The health and safety of our community and residents is our top priority and this criminal activity will not be allowed to flourish in Niagara”

Caponcini is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing on Tuesday February 9, 2021 via video at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.

 

More Top News

Over 300K public sector workers earn more than $100K; OPG CEO tops the list

The five top paid public employees in the province are all at Ontario Power Generation, with the CEO earning $1.9 million last year. The so-called...

Halton police arrest man in connection to break-ins in Georgetown

Halton police say they've arrested a man in connection to two separate break-ins that occurred in Georgetown. On March 25, officers were called out to...

31-year-old Niagara man facing weapon charges following arrest with BB gun

A Niagara man is facing several charges after he was found to be conceal-carrying a loaded pellet gun during his arrest. Authorities say they were...

Parents outraged by changes to Niagara’s school bus transportation policy

Changes to the Niagara Region's school bus transportation policy has left many parents outraged. Starting Sept. 3, the walk distance for secondary students will be...

1 person in critical condition after house fire in Hamilton’s east end

One person has been hospitalized in critical condition after they were found without vital signs in a burning home in Hamilton’s east end Thursday...

Bullet casings confirm shooting occurred on Hamilton Mountain

The discovery of spent bullet casings has confirmed that a shooting took place on Hamilton Mountain late Tuesday, police say. Shortly after 8 p.m., officers...