Trio arrested in Niagara Falls drug investigation

Three people have been arrested after a drug investigation that started in Niagara Falls last month wrapped up this week.

In February, the Niagara Regional Police 2 District street crime and opioid enforcement and education units began looking into allegations of the sale of drugs from an address in the city.In February 2025, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) initiated an investigation into suspected drug trafficking activities at a residence in Niagara Falls. This operation, led by the 2 District Street Crime Unit and the Opioid Enforcement and Education Unit (OEEU), culminated in the execution of a search warrant on March 20, 2025, resulting in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of significant quantities of illicit substances.

Details of the Investigation and Arrests

The NRPS’s focused investigation targeted a specific address in Niagara Falls, suspected of being a hub for drug distribution. On March 20, 2025, with support from the Emergency Task Unit (ETU), officers executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at the identified residence. This operation led to the arrest of three individuals:

Correll Slawter, 38, of Niagara Falls, charged with:

Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)

Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Methamphetamine)

Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)

Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5000

Assault with the Intent to Resist Arrest

John McMullen, 34, of Niagara Falls, charged with:

Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)

Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Methamphetamine)

Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)

Failing to Comply with Release Order

Michelle Filliter, 34, of Niagara Falls, arrested on an outstanding warrant for Failing to Comply with Probation

Following their arrests, all three individuals were held in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for March 21, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.

Seized Substances and Their Impact

The search of the residence resulted in the confiscation of:

263 grams of suspected Fentanyl (approximate street value: $9,000)

121 grams of suspected Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth) (approximate street value: $2,400)

102 grams of suspected Cocaine (approximate street value: $10,000)

The total estimated street value of these seized substances exceeds $20,000.

Role of the Opioid Enforcement and Education Unit (OEEU)

The OEEU, funded by Ontario’s Community and Safety Policing Grant, plays a crucial role in addressing opioid-related issues within the community. This unit focuses on educating the public about the risks associated with illicit opioid use while incorporating enforcement strategies to combat the distribution and use of these dangerous substances.

Community Involvement and Reporting

The NRPS encourages community members to come forward with any information related to drug trafficking or other criminal activities. Individuals with information about this investigation are urged to contact the lead detective at 905-688-4111, option #3, extension #1009901. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers of Niagara offers a platform to report tips online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers provides cash rewards for information leading to an arrest.

This operation underscores the NRPS’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of the Niagara Falls community. Through targeted investigations and community collaboration, law enforcement continues to address the challenges posed by illicit drug activities in the region.