Five People Charged and One Person Outstanding in Region Wide Drug Trafficking Investigation

By Niagara Regional Police Service - Jul 01, 2026

Media Releases

In October of 2025, detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Major Drugs and Gang Unit began an investigation into the trafficking of illegal drugs in the Niagara Region. The investigation revealed one individual leading a trafficking ring which saw the purchasing of illegal drugs from outside of the region which were then stored in multiple locations across Niagara for the purpose of selling within Niagara.

35-year-old Kyle KNIGHT of Niagara Falls was identified as the leader of the drug trafficking ring. The investigation led to the judicial authorization of search warrants for the various locations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. On June 23, 2026, detectives executed warrants on three separate addresses in Niagara Falls and one address in Thorold.

During the search the following items were found and seized.

6 kilograms of suspected Cocaine ($ 150,000.00)
5.1 kilograms of suspected Crystal Methamphetamine ($22,500.00)
7 kilograms of suspected Oxycontin ($58,330.00)
2.68 kilograms of suspected Fentanyl ($70,000.00)
$16,680.00 Canadian currency
9mm semi-automatic handgun

As a result of the warrants the following people were arrested and charged with the following offences.

35-year-old Kyle KNIGHT

Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Opioid Fentanyl)
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Crystal Methamphetamine) (2 counts)
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Opioid Oxycodone) (2 counts)
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Cocaine) (2 counts)
Possession of Proceed of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000

48-year-old Curtis BENNETT of Niagara Falls

Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Opioid Fentanyl)
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Crystal Methamphetamine)
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Opioid Oxycodone)
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Cocaine)

47-year-old Jody ROBERTS of Niagara Falls

Possession of Proceed of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Crystal Methamphetamine)
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Opioid Fentanyl)

55-year-old Linda PIZZI of Niagara Falls

Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Opioid Fentanyl)
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Crystal Methamphetamine)
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Opioid Oxycodone)
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Cocaine)

61-year-old Jeffery RUSSELL of Thorold

Possession of Proceed of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Crystal Methamphetamine)
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Opioid Oxycodone)
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Cocaine)

A warrant for arrest exists for one outstanding male in this investigation. 33-year-old Matthew RUSSELL of Thorold is wanted on numerous charges.

Possession of a Firearm, Weapon or Ammunitions Contrary to Prohibition Order
Careless Storage of a Firearm, Weapon Prohibited Device or Ammunition
Posses Restricted or Prohibited Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a Licence
Possess Loaded Regulated Firearm
Possession of a Firearm Knowing Serial Number Has Been Tampered With
Possession of Proceed of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Crystal Methamphetamine)
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Opioid Oxycodone)
Possess Schedule 1 Substance for Trafficking (Cocaine)

Detectives are asking for anyone who sees Matthew RUSSELL to call 911 and do not approach him. If anyone knows the whereabouts of Matthew RUSSELL, please contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111.

Kyle KNIGHT, Jody ROBERTS and Curtis BENNETT were all held for bail hearings which took place June 24, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.

Linda PIZZI and Jeffery RUSSELL were released with future court dates.

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

The successful completion of this investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this investigation.

NRPS Incidents 26-41036