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Second arrest made in relation to huge Niagara region drug bust

On February 4, police seized approximately $3.6 million worth of drugs from a Lincoln residence
ThoroldToday Staff
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NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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Feb. 26 update:
Detectives from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Major Drug and Gang Unit have continued their investigation into the sale of fentanyl in Niagara.

On Feb. 25, 2021, detectives executed search warrant at a St. Catharines residence in the area of Vansickle Road and Laurie Street. Upon entering the house, detectives arrested a suspect. A search of the house located a firearm and ammunition.

Francis Anthony Prantera (55 years old) of St. Catharines has been arrested and charged with the offences of:
    •    Production - Section 7(1) CDSA
    •    Possession for the purpose of trafficking to wit fentanyl - Section 5(2) CDSA
    •    Possession of a firearm without holding a valid licence - Section 91(1) CC
    •    Careless storage - Section 86(1) CC
    •    Trafficking a controlled substance to wit fentanyl - Section 5(1) CDSA

Prantera is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing. On Feb. 26, 2021, he will appear via video at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.

Anyone who may have information in relation to this investigation is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, ext. 1009346

Original Feb. 6 release:
Since January of 2021, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service Major Drug and Gang Unit, with assistance from the Intelligence Unit, have been investigating the sales of illegal drugs, in the region of Niagara.

As a result of the investigation, detectives were able to identify a male suspect.

On Feb. 4, 2021, the suspect was the subject of a traffic stop by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) for allegedly stunting, at a speed of 160 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the QEW in the Town of Lincoln. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of 1025 fentanyl tablets, 25 grams of cocaine and $1,400 in currency.

As a result, detectives with the Major Drug and Gang Unit, executed warrants at a residence in the area of Rykert Street and Louth Street, in the City of St. Catharines, a residence in the area of Prince William Street and Queen Victoria Avenue, in the Town of Lincoln, and a residence in the area of Scholfield Road and Olden Avenue, in the City of Niagara Falls.

The residence in the area of Scholfield and Olden was searched and found to contain a massive fentanyl pill production operation. The double garage area of the residence had been extensively modified to accommodate an industrial size pill press. 

Due to the mass quantity of fentanyl and related materials present, the OPP's Clandestine Lab Investigation Response Team (CLIRT) was requested to assist with the safe dismantling of the site.

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

In all, the estimated street value of the drugs seized is approximately $3.6 million, which is the largest seizure of fentanyl in Niagara history.

The illicit pills were packaged in bottles intended to look like legitimate prescription medications and pose the threat of serious harm or death.

Peter Caponcini (56 years old) of St. Catharines, was arrested and charged with the following offences of:

  • Two 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 $5,000 - Section 355(b) CC
  • Production - Section 7(1) CDSA

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.

“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.  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,” said Chief of Police Bryan MacCulloch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police at 905-688-4111, ext. 1009346.

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