Niagara police seize shotgun and $45,900 in suspected cocaine

Niagara Regional Police say they seized a sawed-off shotgun and 459 grams of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $45,900, following a November 6, 2026 arrest and a search in Thorold. A 32-year-old Thorold man has been charged.

Police said uniform officers began investigating after a man was reported to be in possession of a firearm. The 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau took over the investigation, with help from two street crime units and the Major Drugs and Gangs Unit.

Members of the Emergency Task Unit took the man into custody at approximately 3:25 p.m. at Pine Street South and Sullivan Avenue in Thorold, police said. Detectives also obtained a search warrant for a residence in the city.

According to police, the arrest and search led to the seizure of the shotgun and ammunition, the suspected cocaine, $4,610 in Canadian currency and materials consistent with illegal drug trafficking.

Charges and court appearance

Justin Mathes, 32, of Thorold is charged with:

• Possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm while knowingly not holding a licence;
• Possession of an imitation weapon;
• Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition;
• Possession of a firearm, weapon or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order;
• Carrying a concealed weapon;
• Possession of prohibited ammunition knowing there was no authority; and
• Possession of cocaine for trafficking.

Mathes remains in custody and is scheduled for a bail hearing on November 7 at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse, 59 Church Street in St. Catharines, police said.

Anyone with information can call Niagara Regional Police at (905) 688-4111, option 3, extension 1009728. To provide an anonymous tip, call 289-248-1058. The incident number is 26-140473.