Photo: RCMP

A 44-year-old driver is facing weapon, drug and driving charges after passing an unmarked police car and then being pulled over for speeding on Victoria Street in Kamloops early Tuesday.

RCMP say the man was discovered to be a prohibited driver.

While waiting for the tow truck to arrive to impound the pickup, the officer did a vehicle inventory and found a loaded 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun inside the truck, police say. The driver was then arrested for possession of a prohibited weapon.

The officer searched the suspect, who is known to police, finding quantities of methamphetamine and heroin stashed in the crotch of his pants.

The man is being held in custody and is expected to go before a judge on May 3.

Police are recommending charges of possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin and driving a motor vehicle while prohibited.