$119,680 in Illegal Substances Seized in Drug Trafficking Investigation

By Niagara Regional Police Service - Nov 05, 2026

Media Releases

In November 2026, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) Street Crime Unit (SCU) began an investigation into a male and a female trafficking controlled substances within the Region of Niagara. The investigation was assisted by detectives with the Opioid Enforcement and Education Unit (OEEU).

On Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the suspects were arrested at a business on Crowland Avenue in the City of Welland. Judicial authorization was sought and granted for a residence on Grayson Avenue in Fort Erie. As a result of the investigation the following items were seized:

201.4 grams of suspected Fentanyl (street value $20,140)
995.4 grams of suspected cocaine (street value $99,540)
$11,100 in Canadian Currency
$350 in United States Currency
Extendable Baton
Replica Handgun

43-year-old Ernest STILLWELL of Port Colborne is charged with the following criminal offences:

Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)
Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon
Possession of a Weapon Contrary to Prohibition Order
Fail to Comply with Probation Order

36-year-old Olivia MORGANTE of Fort Erie is charged with the following criminal offences:

Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)
Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon

STILLWELL remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines. MORGANTE was released on a Form 10 Undertaking with a future court date.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at (905) 688-4111, option 3, extension 1008915.

To report a tip and remain anonymous please call 289-248-1058.

NRPS Incident #26-139682