He was stopped by police from the Wollongong drug unit while he was driving on Mount Keira Rd about 4.40pm on Tuesday.

Police searched the vehicle and allegedly found a loaded .22 calibre self-loading, sawn-off rifle, two knives, a small amount of methylamphetamines (known as speed), tablets suspected of being human growth hormones, $800 cash and other items.

The man was taken to Wollongong police station where he was charged with possessing a loaded firearm in public, possessing a shortened firearm, possessing a shortened firearm without a permit, possessing ammunition without a permit, possessing prohibited drug, dealing with the suspected proceeds of crime and having custody of a knife in a public place.

He is expected to apply for bail before a magistrate in Wollongong Local Court today.