A man held after police seized an Uzi sub machine gun was remanded in custody today.
Ronald Hoy, 34, of Granton Park in the Tullycarnet estate, was arrested in east Belfast by officers who stopped a taxi following a tip off.
He was charged with possession of a firearm and 21 rounds of 9mm ammunition with intent to endanger life when he appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court.
The police operation took place on Wednesday night when officers were told about a taxi passenger who had just left a city centre bar.
The car was stopped on the lower Newtownards Road, East Belfast, and the Uzi was recovered.
It is understood Hoy was arrested at the scene.
The stash of ammunition was later discovered during follow up searches at a house in Tullycarnet, a staunchly loyalist neighbourhood.
Detective Constable Michael Porter, from the East Belfast District Command Unit, told the court he could connect Hoy with the offences.
Hoy was remanded in custody to appear again on May 19.