Businessman arrested with illegal firearm and 2kg of suspected cannabis

A 39-year-old city businessman was arrested Tuesday evening after police intercepted his vehicle on Vlissengen Road and allegedly found him with an unlicensed firearm and a large quantity of suspected cannabis.

Police Headquarters said Franz Paul of Middle Road, La Penitence, was stopped around 18:32 hrs near the Square of the Revolution while driving a black Honda Vezel.

Acting on information received, police conducted a search of his person and discovered a .22 pistol with a magazine containing two live rounds concealed in his pocket.

Police said Paul admitted he was not a licensed firearm holder.

His vehicle was then searched and Police reportedly uncovered a garbage bag behind the front passenger seat containing two taped parcels. The parcels, which were later weighed, amounted to 2,267 grams of suspected cannabis.

Paul was immediately arrested and cautioned before being taken to the Ruimveldt Police Station.

The firearm and ammunition have since been lodged for ballistic testing.

Police confirmed that Paul remains in custody and is expected to face multiple charges.

Paul is an ex-police officer. He  is known to the Police and was previously charged.