A Portsmouth man was arrested and charged on gun and drug counts following a traffic stop by the Halifax Regional Drug and Gang Task Force Wednesday night.

According to the arrest warrant filed electronically through eCourts, Antonio Clarke was stopped for a brake/stop light equipment violation at the intersection of highways 561 and 48 in the Enfield area.

Major Anzell Harris of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said the stop occurred around 8:30 p.m. and a strong odor of marijuana was detected prompting a search of the vehicle. 

The search led to the discovery of suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a digital scale with residue. In the locked glove box, a stolen G3C 9mm handgun and a prescription bottle containing 56 suspected oxycodone pills without a label were located.

Clarke was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm, simple possession of schedule II and schedule VI controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, and carrying a concealed weapon. 

The gun had been entered into NCIC by the Portsmouth Police Department in July 2021.

Clark posted bond and has an August 26 district court date.