A 28-year-old St. Catharines man is facing multiple criminal and traffic-related charges after police seized a loaded firearm and a large quantity of drugs during a traffic stop.
Officers say they were on general patrol around 10 p.m. on Thursday, in the area of O’Carroll Avenue and Aylmer Street when they spotted a vehicle that failed to properly stop at two stop signs. A traffic stop was initiated, and police learned the driver was suspended.
The driver was taken into custody, and a subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded handgun, nearly 350 grams of cocaine, more than 22 grams of crack cocaine, 7.3 grams of fentanyl, drug and cannabis paraphernalia, cell phones and Canadian currency.
As a result of the investigation, the man has been charged with 10 Criminal Code offences, including several firearm-related counts, possession of Schedule I substances for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of proceeds of crime. He is also facing four charges under the Highway Traffic Act and the Cannabis Control Act, including driving while suspended and failing to stop at stop signs.
Police say the accused was already bound by an undertaking prohibiting him from possessing firearms, ammunition or related weapons.
He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
