St. Catharines bust leads to drugs, cash and an accordion

An attempt to sell items taken from a storage unit on Kijiji led Niagara Regional Police Services to two suspects and an accordion that they believe is stolen property.

"The suspects are not believed to be accordion musicians and detectives suspect it may be stolen," police said a release on Wednesday. 

Police say the investigation began in December, when a north-end St. Catharines resident reported a break-in at their storage locker, located inside an apartment building near Vine and Carlton streets. 

Later that month, police say, officers discovered a Kijiji ad that included some of the stolen goods. They reached out to the seller through the website and made plans to meet a female suspect on March 2. Police say the woman and a man were arrested at the meeting.

Police say they searched the car and found 75.9 grams of crystal methamphetamine, valued at $7,600; 10 grams of Fentanyl, valued at $3,000; and $2,255 in cash. They also found goods they believe were stolen, including the accordion. 

An 18-year-old St. Catharines woman is charged with possession of both Fentanyl and crystal meth for the purpose of trafficking, as well as proceeds obtained by crime under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

 A 36-year-old St. Catharines man is charged with possession of Fentanyl and crystal meth for the purpose of trafficking, and proceeds obtained by crime under $5,000.

Both have been released until a future court date.