Police say, since May of 2016, members of the St.Catharines Street Crime Unit have been conducting an investigation in to Michael PEREIRA and Karleigh SMYTH who were suspected of trafficking Heroin and Crystal Methamphetamine throughout the City of St.Catharines.
On June 8th 2016, Uniform Patrol officers were in the area of Lake Street and Russell Avenue in the City of St.Catharines. At this time, Police observed PEREIRA operating a silver Audi sedan. They then attempted to stop the vehicle. As Police activated their emergency lights, PEREIRA accelerated at a high rate of speed refusing to stop for Police. PEREIRA disregarded traffic controls and entered oncoming traffic to evade Police. Police discontinued the pursuit in the interest of public safety. PEREIRA was actively evading Police capture.
Police continued their investigation in to PEREIRA and attempts to locate him were made.
On June 13th 2016, through a combined effort between the St.Catharines Street Crime Unit, 1 District Criminal Investigation Branch, K9 unit and the Emergency Task Unit it was discovered where PEREIRA was residing. A serious concern to Police was that PEREIRA was selling drugs in close proximity of two local highschools and a daycare.
At approximately 6:20 p.m., Police arrested PEREIRA as he left a north end apartment complex without incident. A Controlled Drugs And Substance Act search warrant was executed on SMYTH and PEREIRA’S apartment which revealed a large quantity of Crystal Methamphetamine, Heroin, Cocaine, MDMA, GHB, Shatter, Marijuana, Hash, Prescription Medication and a large quantity of Canadian currency.
Arrested and charged was 38 year old Michael PEREIRA of St.Catharines.
Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
Flight while pursued by a Police Officer
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x 6
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5000
Fail to comply with his Recognizance x 6
27 year old Karleigh Smyth of St.Catharines
Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x 6
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5000
Fail to comply with her Recognizance
As a result of this investigation Police seized $8200 worth of drugs and $3900 in Canadian Currency and all parties have been held in custody pending a bail hearing on June 14th 2016.
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