Major Drug and Firearm Seizure in Niagara Falls Hotel Room
Major Drug and Firearm Seizure in Niagara Falls Hotel Room
In a significant law enforcement operation, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) executed a search warrant at a hotel room in Niagara Falls, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of a substantial quantity of illegal drugs and a loaded firearm.
Investigation and Arrest
On Thursday, March 13, 2025, detectives from the NRPS 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) Criminal Investigation Branch and Street Crime Unit, acting on intelligence regarding drug distribution activities in the region, conducted a search at a hotel room in Niagara Falls. The operation was part of a broader investigation into the trafficking of illicit substances across the Niagara Region.
During the search, officers arrested 40-year-old Christopher Duclos of Niagara Falls. The search yielded a significant haul of narcotics and a loaded firearm, indicating a high-level drug trafficking operation.
Seized Items
The items seized during the operation included:
350 grams of suspected fentanyl, valued at approximately $33,000
1 kilogram of suspected crystal methamphetamine, valued at approximately $15,000
253 grams of suspected cocaine, valued at approximately $17,000
1,250 tablets of suspected hydromorphone, valued at approximately $1,250
30 tablets of suspected ketamine, valued at approximately $300
27 tablets of suspected Percocet, valued at approximately $270
500 ml of suspected gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), valued at approximately $300
18 grams of suspected psilocybin, valued at approximately $100
A loaded Taurus handgun with a high-capacity magazine
$2,255 in Canadian currency
Charges
Christopher Duclos faces multiple charges, including:
Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking
Possession of crystal methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking
Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
Possession of hydromorphone for the purpose of trafficking
Possession of ketamine for the purpose of trafficking
Possession of GHB for the purpose of trafficking
Possession of psilocybin for the purpose of trafficking
Possession of Percocet for the purpose of trafficking
Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
Possession of a prohibited firearm without holding a license
Possession of a prohibited firearm knowingly not holding a license
Possession of a loaded regulated firearm
Careless storage of a firearm
Possession of a prohibited device
Possession of a firearm contrary to prohibition order
Duclos was held in custody and was scheduled to attend the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Community Impact
The seizure underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and related criminal activities in the Niagara Region. The presence of a loaded firearm alongside a substantial quantity of narcotics highlights the potential dangers associated with drug trafficking operations.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local authorities. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers of Niagara by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), with the possibility of cash rewards for information leading to arrests.
Conclusion
This operation represents a significant step in disrupting drug trafficking networks within Niagara Falls and the broader region. The NRPS continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community through proactive enforcement and community engagement initiatives.
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