Suspected drugs worth $25K seized, two arrested in Niagara Falls

NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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In early 2025, detectives from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Street Crime Unit, based out of 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake), launched an investigation into suspected drug trafficking taking place within the City of Niagara Falls.

A suspect was identified, and on April 29, 2025, detectives arrested an adult male believed to be involved in the drug trafficking investigation. On April 30, 2025, detectives executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a residence on Biggar Road related to the suspect.As a result of the investigation, detectives seized the following items:

456.5 grams of suspected cocaine (estimated street value: $25,600)
$7,050 in Canadian currency
A .22-calibre rifle
On May 14, 2025, detectives arrested an adult female in relation to the investigation.

Matthew Donald Martindale, 38, of Niagara Falls, has been arrested and charged with the following criminal offences:

Possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking
Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

Careless storage of a firearm
Unauthorized possession of a firearm
Possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm knowingly without a licenceAnnette M. Martindale, 61, of Niagara Falls, has been arrested and charged with:

Possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm without holding a licence
Possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm knowingly without a licence
Careless storage of a firearm
Matthew Martindale was released on a Form 10 Undertaking with a future court date scheduled at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines on June 12, 2025. Annette Martindale was held in custody for a video bail hearing at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse and was subsequently remanded in custody.Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009667.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.