A B.C. Mountie is facing 15 criminal code offences including drug trafficking, breach of trust and firearms offences.

Charges were approved yesterday against Const. David Clarke, a four-year member with the Surrey detachment.

The 35-year-old is charged with breach of trust for allegedly possessing stolen police property that included marijuana and identification documents.

He is also accused of possessing property and other items obtained through a criminal offence.

Thirteen offences are linked to the possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition. The weapons in question include a FN FAL semiautomatic rifle, a Colt semi-automatic handgun, a Glock 9mm handgun, a Mossberg pump-action shotgun and a Remington Mohawk semi-automatic rifle.

Police say Clarke did not hold a licence or registration for any of the firearms.

E Division Spokesperson Sgt. Rob Vermeulen said Clarke was removed from his job Oct. 1 when a member of the public came forward with allegations.

He will remain suspended with pay pending the outcome of criminal proceedings and a separate code of conduct investigation.

"These situations, which in my experience are very rare, are taken very seriously," Surrey Chief Superintendent Fraser MacRae said.

Clarke made his first court appearance Tuesday morning. He is expected to make his next appearance on Jan. 18, 2011.