Hamilton Man, 30, Charged After Loaded Handgun Seized in Barton Street Traffic Stop

A 30-year-old Hamilton man has been arrested and charged after police say a loaded handgun and a large quantity of Canadian currency were found during a traffic stop on Barton Street East late Sunday night.

According to Hamilton Police, an officer was travelling along Barton Street East near Victoria Street at about 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when they saw a vehicle being driven aggressively.

What police found

The officer pulled the vehicle over and spoke with the driver. Police said the driver could not produce a valid driver's licence, proof of vehicle ownership or proof of insurance.

The officer also saw a bag of cannabis within the driver's reach, which police said is contrary to the Cannabis Control Act.

The driver was taken out of the vehicle and a search was carried out. Police said officers found a handgun with a loaded magazine, as well as a large quantity of Canadian currency.

Charges

The 30-year-old man was arrested and faces several charges, police said, including:

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition
• Driving a vehicle with cannabis readily available

The charges have not been proven in court. Police did not release the man's name.

Investigation ongoing

Police said the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the on-duty Division 10 Staff Sergeant at 905-546-4725.

Hamilton's Crime Severity Index was 54.82 in 2025, down 6.61% from the previous year, while its Violent Crime Severity Index was 68.79, according to Statistics Canada.