Charges have been laid against a Manitoba-based soldier accused of trafficking in cocaine.

One count of possession for the purpose of trafficking and one of possession of a prohibited weapon have been laid against a master corporal at Canadian Forces Base Shilo, which is 35 kilometres east of Brandon.

Military spokesman Lieut. Blake Patterson said an investigation was launched in November 2015 by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service.

"After an extensive investigation," the man was arrested Jan. 15 during a traffic stop off the base and cocaine was found in his possession, Patterson said.

A search warrant was then obtained and the man's on-base residence was searched. Almost 32 grams of cocaine, along with packaging materials, production equipment and pepper spray were seized.

The soldier, who is with the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, is facing charges laid under the National Defence Act and remains free pending a possible court martial.

Details about his hometown and his military record were not immediately available.

A similar charge was laid against a soldier from CFB Shilo in December 2010.

Patterson said he couldn't comment on whether there are concerns about drug use by soldiers on the base. He did say there is no evidence the two incidents are connected in any way.