Police Seize Handgun, $149,000 Worth of Narcotics

Drug bust happened in St. Catharines

Two people from Scarborough are facing charges after a major drug bust in St. Catharines. 

In April, police began an investigation into the distribution of drugs in St. Catharines. 

One of the suspects was arrested on Monday, after being spotted in the area of Niagara Street and Church Street. 

During a search, police found 365.8 grams of suspected cocaine, 90.8 grams of suspected crystal meth, and 68 grams of suspected fentanyl. 

Scarborough resident Abdul Bangura, 26, was arrested for the following offences: 

• Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

A bail hearing took place on Tuesday, and he was remanded into custody. 

Yesterday, a second suspect was arrested around Lake Street and Carlton Street. 

A search of their vehicle turned up a loaded handgun, ammunition, 536.9 grams of suspected cocaine, and 69.9 grams of suspected fentanyl. 

Authorities also found $987.55 cash, which is believed to be proceeds from crime. 

32 year-old Malcolm Cassells of Scarborough was charged with the following: 

• Possession of a Restricted or Prohibited Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a License
• Possession of a Firearm, Weapon, Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order
• Possession of a Restricted or Prohibited Firearm without Holding a License
• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
• Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
• Careless Storage of a Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
• Possession of Fentanyl for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking

His bail hearing took place earlier today, and he has been remanded into custody. 

The total street value of the drugs is pegged at about $149,820. 

Police are asking anyone with information about the case to call them at 905-688-4111, dial option #3, extension #1009552.