Recent law enforcement investigations show a continued increase in the manufacture and use of methamphetamine in Niagara County, according to Niagara County Sheriff James Voutour.

Four recent cases involve East Niagara, including a Feb. 25 raid in Niagara Falls which led to the recovery of a small amount of methamphetamine and materials used to manufacture the drug. Several people were questioned including one who was wanted for two assault cases, one in the Town of Lockport and the other in the City of Lockport. This investigation is continuing and charges may be pending.

On Feb. 28, members of the Niagara County Drug Task Force were serving a parole warrant on Gabriel Drive in the City of Lockport when they encountered a strong chemical odor inside the home. A search revealed a small quantity of methamphetamine and materials used to manufacture the drug. Naomi M. Mathews, 29, was arrested for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, while 29-year-old Pedro J. Vlaquez was arrested on the warrant. The investigation is continuing and further charges may be pending.

Also on Feb. 28, Niagara County Sheriff’s Deputies were attempting to serve a bench warrant on Walnut Street in the City of Lockport when they encountered a strong chemical odor inside the home. A search warrant was obtained and executed which resulted in the recovery of a small amount of methamphetamine and materials used to manufacture the drug. Matthew D. Bennett, 23, was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. That investigation is continuing and further charges may be pending.

On Tuesday, members of the Niagara County Drug Task Force charged William K. Ray, 26, with second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third-degree unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine. The investigation started in December after a bag containing multiple ounces of methamphetamine oil, materials, and equipment used to make methamphetamine was recovered in the Town of Hartland. Ray is being held in the Niagara County Jail with no bail.

Sheriff Voutour said investigators will continue their efforts to confront this growing problem and ask the public to remain vigilant for these types of activities and to report any suspicious situations to local law enforcement.

---

Don't miss any updates from East Niagara Post.
Add us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
Plus now Instagram and Vine.