Opioid Enforcement Investigation Leads to Arrest in Fatal Overdose Case
On January 28, 2026, uniform officers and detectives from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) responded to a residence in the area of Lloyd Street and Rykert Street in the City of St. Catharines following the report of the sudden death of a 37-year-old male.
As the death was believed to be the result of a drug overdose, the investigation was assumed by the NRPS Opioid Enforcement and Education Unit (OEEU), which initiated a parallel investigation into the criminal activity and drug trafficking that allegedly contributed to the individual’s death.
As a result of the investigation, detectives identified a suspect who was arrested during a traffic stop on Monday, July 13, 2026.
37-year-old Anthony Clarke, of Toronto, is facing the following charges in relation to the overdose death:
- Manslaughter
- Trafficking in a Schedule I Substance (Fluorofentanyl)
- Trafficking in a Schedule I Substance (Cocaine)
Anthony Clarke also faces further charges resulting from the search incident to arrest. The following was seized:
- 34.3 grams of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $3,4030.00
- 95.7 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $9,570.00
- 68 suspected hydromorphone pills with an estimated street value of $340.00
- Over $450 in Canadian currency
The additional charges include the following:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – fentanyl
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – cocaine
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – hydromorphone
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
Clarke is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.
The OEEU is funded by the Ontario Government’s Community and Safety Policing Grant. The OEEU is a Niagara Regional Police Service initiative focused on education regarding the risk associated with illicit opioid use, while incorporating enforcement to address opioid-related issues within our community.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at (905)688-4111, option 3, extension 1009465.
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.
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