Proactive traffic stop leads to drugs and loaded firearm seizure

Proactive stop sign enforcement led to the arrest of an alleged drug dealer and the seizure of a loaded firearm, ammunition, cash and illicit drugs.

Shortly before 6 p.m. Monday, a Hamilton Police officer set up for proactive stop sign enforcement observed a Toyota Corolla commit a stop sign violation at the intersection of Caroline and Bold St.

Police say the vehicle continued into a nearby parking lot and as the officer approached the occupants fled on foot.

The officer was able to engaged the driver of the vehicle, who dropped a loaded handgun, ammunition and cell phones during the altercation.

Investigators say the driver was in possession of illicit drugs including cocaine, fentanyl and heroin, an undisclosed amount of money, a loaded firearm, ammunition, cell phones and other drug trafficking paraphernalia.

The driver of the vehicle, a 19-year-old Hamilton man, was taken into police custody and held for a bail hearing. He is charged with several firearm-related offences, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of heroin/fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime under $5000, several violations to court orders and resisting arrest.

He is scheduled to appear at the John Sopinka Courthouse today to answer to several charges.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 905-546-4725.