Open Air Drug Initiative in Niagara Falls Results in Multiple Arrests

By Niagara Regional Police Service - Jul 16, 2026

Media Releases

On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake) CORE (Community Oriented Response and Engagement) conducted an open air drug initiative with assistance from the 2 District Detective office and uniform officers. The initiative focused on addressing open air drug use in the area of Main Street and Ferry Street in the city of Niagara Falls.

In response to community concerns, the Niagara Regional Police Service has implemented a no-tolerance approach to open-air drug use. During the two-hour initiative, seven individuals were arrested for open-air drug usage, and searched for any quantities of drugs. Investigating officers seized and disposed of any illicit substances and drug paraphernalia, and provided information on available community resources, including treatment options.

Additionally, during the initiative, 45-year-old Ashley DONOVAN of Niagara Falls was identified and arrested on an outstanding warrant.

DONOVAN has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences.

Theft Under $5000
Fail to Comply with Probation Order

DONOVAN was released on a Form 10 undertaking with a future court date at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.

Furthermore, officers observed a drug transaction taking place and subsequently arrested 54-year-old Charmaine TAYLOR of Niagara Falls.

TAYLOR has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences.

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Heroin)
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Hydromorphone)
Traffic in Schedule I Substance (Fentanyl)
Traffic in Schedule I Substance (Heroin)
Traffic in Schedule I Substance (Hydromorphone)
Fail to Comply with Probation Order
Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime under $5000

The following items were seized as a result of the investigation:

256 Hydromorphone Tablets (street value $512)
2.9 grams suspected fentanyl and heroin (street value $500)
$379 Canadian Currency

TAYLOR remains in custody pending a bail hearing on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.

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

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

NRPS Incidents 26-87313, 26-87352, 26-74537