A 49-year-old Mississauga man is facing multiple drug and firearms charges after police seized a loaded handgun and an estimated $16,000 worth of drugs during a search in Sarnia.

The Sarnia Police Service Drug Unit, with assistance from the Intelligence Unit and Emergency Response Team, executed a search warrant in the 1700 block of London Line on Oct. 6.

Police say the search resulted in the seizure of 176.05 grams of methamphetamine, 54.42 grams of cocaine and $1,102.40 in Canadian currency.

Officers also seized a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun and additional ammunition.

Police have not released the accused’s name.

The Mississauga man was arrested and charged with 11 offences, including possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of a firearm while prohibited from doing so, possession of ammunition while prohibited, and possession of a firearm without a licence.

He is also charged with carrying a concealed firearm, carrying a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking.

Police also laid an additional charge of possession of property obtained by crime.

Investigators determined the accused was subject to a lifetime firearms prohibition at the time of the alleged offences, according to Sarnia police.

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The seizure is part of what police describe as an ongoing effort to disrupt drug trafficking and remove illegal firearms from the community.

Sarnia police say investigators have identified an ongoing trend of people travelling from larger urban centres into Sarnia to traffic drugs, sometimes while carrying firearms.

Police say this is the second handgun seized from a Greater Toronto Area-based drug trafficker operating in Sarnia within the last three months.

The investigation comes as police continue to encourage members of the public to report suspected drug trafficking.

Anyone with information can contact the Sarnia Police Service at 519-344-8861. Anonymous tips can be provided through Sarnia-Lambton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online.

The charges have not been proven in court.


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