St. Catharines traffic stop leads to 3 arrests, recovery of illicit drugs

A traffic stop conducted in St. Catharines on Thursday evening led to three arrests and the recovery of numerous illicit drugs.

Patrol officers with the Niagara Regional Police Service first observed a black Chevrolet Avalanche traveling on Queenston Street near Tasker Street around 6:40 p.m. and learned the vehicle was associated with a disqualified driver.

Upon discovering this, police conducted a traffic stop to ensure the driver was properly licensed.

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The driver, 57-year-old Jason Grove of St. Catharines was confirmed to be driving in opposition to a license suspicion and he was subsequently placed under arrest.

While speaking with Grove, officers observed two containers of pills and other items that were “indicative of trafficking narcotics.”

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 10.2 grams of suspected cocaine, 4.2 grams of suspected fentanyl, 176 suspected hydromorphone pills and 157 suspected oxycodone pills.

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As a result, both passengers were additionally arrested.

Grove now faces five charges, 54-year-old Scott Russell of St. Catharines faces four charges and David Venketeswaran, 52, of St. Catharines faces four charges in connection with the incident.

All three accused were released from custody on Form 10 undertakings and are scheduled to appear in court later this month.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the lead detective by calling 905-688-4111, dial option #3, extension #1009740.

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