MIDDLESEX CENTRE, ONT. -- Two London men have been charged after police seized a loaded 9mm handgun during a traffic stop.

A vehicle was stopped int he 700 block of Deveron Crescent on Thursday following an investigation.

The driver and passenger, a 28-year-old and 27-year-old, both men from London, were arrested and jointly charged with:

  • possession of an unauthorized prohibited or restricted weapon
  • occupy motor vehicle with firearm
  • possess loaded/unloaded regulated firearm
  • possess restricted or prohibited firearm knowingly not holding a licence and registration certificate
  • unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon
  • careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition

The 28-year-old was also charged with possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order.

Both men were expected to appear in court on Friday.

This is the latest firearm seizure involved the newly formed Crime Gun Task Force.

London has seen a sharp rise in the number of guns and shootings in recent months.