Opioid Enforcement Investigation Leads to Arrest in Fatal Overdose Case
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On January 28, 2026, uniform officers and detectives from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) responded to a residence in the area of Lloyd Street and Rykert Street in the City of St. Catharines following the report of the sudden death of a 37-year-old male.
As the death was believed to be the result of a drug overdose, the investigation was assumed by the NRPS Opioid Enforcement and Education Unit (OEEU), which initiated a parallel investigation into the criminal activity and drug trafficking that allegedly contributed to the individual’s death.
As a result of the investigation, detectives identified a suspect who was arrested during a traffic stop on Monday, July 13, 2026.
37-year-old Anthony Clarke, of Toronto, is facing the following charges in relation to the overdose death:
- Manslaughter
- Trafficking in a Schedule I Substance (Fluorofentanyl)
- Trafficking in a Schedule I Substance (Cocaine)
Anthony Clarke also faces further charges resulting from the search incident to arrest. The following was seized:
- 34.3 grams of suspected fentanyl with an estimated street value of $3,4030.00
- 95.7 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $9,570.00
- 68 suspected hydromorphone pills with an estimated street value of $340.00
- Over $450 in Canadian currency
The additional charges include the following:
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – fentanyl
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – cocaine
- Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – hydromorphone
- Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
Clarke is currently being held in custody pending a bail hearing on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
The OEEU is funded by the Ontario Government’s Community and Safety Policing Grant. The OEEU is a Niagara Regional Police Service initiative focused on education regarding the risk associated with illicit opioid use, while incorporating enforcement to address opioid-related issues within our community.
Inc 26-11290, 26-63743, 26-86894