MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A K-9 with the California Highway Patrol discovered narcotics and a loaded handgun during a traffic stop in Merced County Monday.

On March 23, an officer with his K-9 conducted a traffic stop in Merced County. During the stop, the officer noticed indicators of criminal activity and asked to search the vehicle.

The officer then deployed his K-9, Shei, who alerted the officer to narcotics.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 61 pounds of suspected cocaine, five pounds of suspected fentanyl and a loaded handgun.

The driver was arrested and booked into the Merced County Jail and is facing multiple narcotics and weapons-related charges.