Inuvik RCMP have arrested and charged a 25-year-old man from British Columbia for possessing a prohibited firearm.

At around 10:30 p.m. on April 11, the police responded to reports of an erratic driver. Officers located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled, according to the Mounties.

Police later found the vehicle with three occupants, who all fled on foot, the RCMP stated. The driver was arrested after a brief foot chase while the other two suspects remain at large.

Officers searched the vehicle and allegedly found a loaded, restricted handgun in a backpack.

RCMP also found a 25-year-old B.C. resident to be in possession of $730. He is facing multiple charges. The accused is being held in jail and is due to appear in court on April 15.

Inuvik RCMP say they believe this incident has ties to the drug trade.

鈥淚nvestigations such as these highlight that Inuvik is not immune to the potential violence associated with the drug trade,鈥� said detachment commander of Inuvik RCMP, Sgt. Jesse Aubin. 鈥淚 would like to thank the community of Inuvik for reporting such suspicious activities. The fight against crime must be a concerted effort between the RCMP and the community.鈥�