NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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On July 1, 2023, 1 District (St. Cathairnes/Thorold) uniform officers, along with the Detective office commenced an investigation into the death of a 23-year-old male who was found deceased in his home in the City of Thorold following a suspected overdose.
The postmortem investigation indicated that the deceased was found to have fatal levels of Oxycodone and Flubromazolam toxicity in his system.
Flubromazolam is a potent designer benzodiazepine that has been found in counterfeit Xanax pills. It is not prescribed to persons in Canada.
The Niagara Regional Police Opioid Enforcement and Education Unit (OEEU) then took carriage of the investigation.
A suspected drug trafficker that was using the mail delivery system was identified.
On March 21, 2024, the Niagara Regional Police OEEU, with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) - Leamington Street Crime Unit, executed a search warrant at a residence in Leamington, Ontario.
During the search warrant execution, police seized $4700 in Canadian currency, a quantity of MDMA as well as packaging, and electronic devices.
22-year-old Mark Antonio Beadle, of Leamington, Ontario was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Trafficking in a Schedule I controlled Substance, to wit Oxycodone contrary to section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance (in relation to the sudden death)
- 2 counts of Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5000 contrary to section 355(b) of the Criminal Code
- Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance, to wit MDMA contrary to section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Beadle was released on a Form 10 with a future court date of May 2, 2024, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St. Catharines.
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.
Anyone who may have information in relation to this incident is encouraged to contact the lead investigator at 905-688-4111, ext. 3, badge #1029602.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
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