Welland Traffic Stop Leads to Seizure of 22kg of Cannabis
On Sunday, August 30, 2026, at approximately 11:50 a.m., uniform officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 3 District (Welland/Pelham) were on general patrol in the Crowland Avenue and Cady Street area of Welland. A traffic stop was conducted on a 2010 Red Dodge Ram pick-up truck.
During the investigation, the driver of the truck was arrested, and a large amount of cannabis was discovered inside the vehicle. 32-year-old Nicholas BARKER of Welland was charged with the following offences.
- Obstruct Peace Officer contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada
- Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Distributing contrary to the Cannabis Act (Federal)
- Possession for the Purpose of Selling contrary to the Cannabis Act (Federal)
- Possession Over 30 Grams contrary to the Cannabis Act (Federal)
- Use Plate not Authorized for Vehicle contrary to the Highway Traffic Act
- Driving while Under Suspension contrary to the Highway Traffic Act
- Drive Vehicle with Cannabis Readily Available Cannabis Control Act (Provincial)
A total of 48 vacuum sealed packages of suspected cannabis was seized with a combined weight of 22.07kg. The value of the seizure is estimated to be worth over $100 000.
BARKER remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing August 31, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service’s 3 District (Welland/Pelham at 905-688-4111.
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.
NRPS Incident 26-109577.
