A Cookstown man is facing charges after a stolen handgun was seized during a search over the weekend.

South Simcoe Police was contacted by the accused’s father, who claimed a gun had been taken from his safe after an argument. It’s alleged the gun was illegally imported from the United States a number of years ago.

A search was conducted at a home on the 5th Sideroad on Saturday with the help of a Toronto police service dog that is specifically trained to locate firearms.

A loaded .45 calibre pistol was located during the search.

The 47-year-old accused was arrested and charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, careless storage of a firearm and possession of a restricted weapon.

The accused will appear before a court at a future date.