Man charged after police discover meth, air pistol during traffic stop

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 31, 2026.

Medicine Hat police have released a photo of an air pistol, ammunition and meth located in a vehicle during a traffic stop leading to several charges against 45-year-old John Lewis.--HANDOUT PHOTO

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

John Lewis, 45, of no fixed address, faces several charges after a patrol section officer discovered methamphetamine, ammunition and an air pistol during a traffic stop in the early morning hours Saturday.

According to the Medicine Hat Police Service, an officer pulled over a 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit in the 600 block of College Drive, and while conducting a traffic stop observed what appeared to be the butt-end of a firearm on the floor near the driver’s feet.

A subsequent search of the vehicle led to discovery of more than 18 grams of methamphetamine, as well as ammunition, including one magazine of .22 calibre and an additional 24 rounds of .22 calibre bullets.

The firearm was determined to be an air pistol.

Lewis has been charged with four counts of breaching a firearms prohibition and one count of possession of a controlled substance.

Lewis was held for a judicial interim release hearing and remained in custody. He is scheduled to appear before courts on April 7.