Two Hay River residents have been charged after they were found to possess an illegal firearm and a large quantity of suspected cocaine.

On April 3, during a patrol of the community, the police witnessed a resident carrying a firearm to a vehicle. Police then initiated a traffic stop, and determined that neither of the occupants of the vehicle had a licence for the weapon.

The pair were then taken into custody, and police later found that they possessed approximately 27 grams of suspected cocaine, paraphernalia consistent with trafficking, bear spray, a quantity of illicit cannabis and more than 100 rounds of ammunition, along with the unlicensed firearm.

Tyrone Stephens, 21, has been charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine).

Skylar Constant, 27, was charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, illegal possession of a weapon and possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine).

Both residents appeared before a justice of the peace and were then held in jail. They are set to appear in justice of the peace court on April 5.