A vehicle stop by Nanaimo RCMP on Sunday led to the arrest of three men and the seizure of a handgun.
The vehicle with three occupants was pulled over near the Northfield Road and Island Highway intersection at about 11 p.m. The men are known to police have previously been in possession of various weapons.
A search of the vehicle turned up a Colt .45 handgun, a machete, mask and other items.
Two of the three suspect, age 29 and 40, were released on a promise to appear at Nanaimo provincial court Jan. 13 to face recommended weapons-related charges.
The third suspect, Daniel Blayne Houle, 31, was held in custody and appeared in Nanaimo provincial court Tuesday where he was charged with possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, illegal transportation and possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of a firearm without a certificate.
Houle will remain in custody until his next court appearance Oct. 28.