York Regional Police say a traffic stop in Markham on Monday led to the seizure of a loaded firearm despite its owner being banned from possessing one.
Police say they were conducting patrols in the area of Highway 7 East and Cornell Central Boulevard on Dec. 2 when they stopped a speeding vehicle just before 11 p.m.
The driver of the vehicle was exhibiting signs of impairment and open alcohol was found in the vehicle, police say.
As a result, the male driver was arrested, and a follow-up search of the vehicle revealed a firearm.
Officers have since learned the recovered firearm had been stolen in a residential break and enter in Kitchener in 2020.
Police have charged Vildredo Edinson Martinez-Fontela, 41, with 10 related offences including possession of a loaded restricted firearm and possession of property obtained by crime.
At the time of his arrest, Martinez-Fontela was already on a life-time weapon prohibition, police say.