A major drug bust in Niagara Falls has resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of firearms and fentanyl, according to the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS).
In September 2025, detectives from the NRPS Opioid Enforcement and Education Unit (OEEU), along with Street Crime Unit officers assigned to 2 District (Niagara Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake), launched an investigation into suspected drug trafficking in the city.
On September 17, 2025, police said officers obtained judicial authorization to execute a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a residence in Niagara Falls. According to the police report, officers were confronted by two aggressive pit bull-type dogs during the search. The animals were safely subdued using a conducted energy weapon, allowing detectives to secure the scene and continue their investigation.
Police reported that the search led to the seizure of 70.4 grams of fentanyl valued at approximately $6,066, 12.1 grams of crystal methamphetamine valued at $1,210, 23 capsules of hydromorphone worth $345, and 44 tablets of dilaudids valued at $660. In addition to the drugs, officers also seized a loaded Sigsauer .22 caliber pistol, an Eatonia .22 caliber rifle, a Marksman .45 caliber rifle, and additional rounds of ammunition.
Three Niagara Falls residents were arrested in connection with the investigation. According to police, 41-year-old Cordell Wettlaufer faces multiple charges including failing to comply with an undertaking, failing to comply with a probation order, possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order, three counts of possession of a firearm without holding a licence, three counts of possession of a prohibited firearm knowingly not holding a licence, and three counts of careless storage of a firearm.
Police said 22-year-old Jan Altorf has been charged with obstructing a peace officer, possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl, crystal meth, and hydromorphone, as well as trafficking in a Schedule I controlled substance.
Twenty-five-year-old Ann Stamp has also been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl, crystal meth, and hydromorphone, along with trafficking in a Schedule I controlled substance.
According to police, Wettlaufer, Altorf, and Stamp remain in custody and are scheduled to appear for a bail hearing on Thursday, September 18, 2025, via video link to the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009667.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Niagara by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting their website. Police noted that Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information that leads to an arrest.
