A check of a vehicle parked on the shoulder of Highway 19 led Port Hardy RCMP to the discovery of drugs, a loaded pistol and more than $12,000 in cash.
Police made the check just after midnight Monday near the intersection of Highway 19 and Bear Cove Highway, and found a 61-year-old Port Hardy man and a 41-year-old Port Alice woman inside.
Officers then spotted an open container of liquor, along with drug paraphernalia at the man’s feet. They found a substance believed to be cocaine during a subsequent search of the man.
A search of the vehicle’s interior turned up more suspected cocaine, a number of pills and a large amount of cannabis, as well as the pistol and cash.
The man was released on a court document relating to firearms offences and the woman was given an unconditional release. Both could face further charges linked to the suspected cocaine and cash.