Loaded handgun seized during traffic stop, Hamilton man charged

Hamilton police have charged a 30-year-old local man after a traffic stop resulted in the seizure of a loaded handgun.

On Sunday at around 11:30 p.m., an officer travelling along Barton Street East near Victoria Street witnessed a vehicle being operated in an aggressive manner.

Police say the officer initiated a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, who was unable to provide a valid driver’s licence, proof of vehicle ownership or proof of insurance. 

Investigators say during the interaction, the officer also noticed a bag of cannabis within the driver’s reach.

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Detectives say the driver was then removed from the vehicle and a search was conducted. 

Officers say during the search, they located a handgun with a loaded magazine and a large quantity of Canadian currency.

Police say the 30-year-old Hamilton man was arrested and charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition and driving a vehicle with cannabis readily available.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the on-duty Division 10 Staff Sergeant at 905-546-4725.

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