Middlesboro Police Officer Nick Capps executed a traffic stop Monday afternoon that led to the recovery of a stolen weapon and the discovery of drugs and other paraphernalia.

Austin Snowden, 25, of Pineville, was charged with first-degree possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine), two counts possession of handgun by convicted felon, receiving stolen property (handgun), and first-degree trafficking a controlled substance (greater than or equal to two grams).

Officer Capps was traveling on Longwood Road when, according to the citation, he stopped a vehicle with expired registration.

The citation states Capps explained to the driver Caleb Vanover and passenger Snowden why the traffic stop was being conducted. He received permission to search the vehicle from the driver of the car and upon searching, located a baggy containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine.

According to the citation, there was a loaded 9 mm Highpoint shoved between the seat and the console beside Snowden’s left leg. The gun was reported missing from Claiborne County authorities.

He also reports that lying at Snowden’s feet was a .22 caliber ATI rifle semi-automatic that, according to the report, had “one in the chamber.”

Capps states in the citation that Snowden is a convicted felon.

Upon arrival at the Bell County Detention Center, corrections officers were performing a routine search on Snowden during book in and discovered a baggy containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine.

Snowden remains in jail on a $10,000 cash bond.