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St. Catharines Man Charged in Connection to Fentanyl Investigation

The NRP has arrested a man from St. Catharines in connection to an investigation into the sale of fentanyl in Niagara.

Detectives conducted a search warrant yesterday at a residence near Vansickle Road and Laurie Street in St. Catharines. 

The search turned up a firearm and ammunition. 

Upon entry, detectives located and arrested a suspect. 

Fifty-five year old Francis Anthony Prantera is facing several charges including Possession for the purpose of Trafficking and Possession of a Firearm without Holding a valid license. 

He is currently in custody, pending a bail hearing. 

The investigation commenced on February 4th, after another suspect was stopped by the OPP for traveling at a speed of 160/km/hr on the QEW in Lincoln. 

Officers discovered 1025 fentanyl tablets, 25 grams of cocaine and $1400.00 cash when the car was searched. 

After three search warrants on homes in St. Catharines, Lincoln and Niagara Falls, several other drugs were seized, including 20,000 fentanyl pills and 160 grams of cocaine. 

The estimated street value of the drugs is about $3.6 million. 

Fifty-six year old Peter Caponcini of St. Catharines was arrested and charged for several possession-related offences.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to call the NRP at 905-688-4111, extension 1009346.

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