An officer was patrolling Church St about 3am when he stopped a white Holden Commodore for a random breath test.

The officer became suspicious when the driver’s 25-year-old male passenger became agitated during routine licence checks.

When the man was searched, the officer allegedly found a loaded handgun.

He immediately drew his own weapon and arrested him while calling for backup.

Further searches of the man allegedly revealed he was also carrying a large knife.

Police will allege the man is a member of the Comanchero outlaw motorcycle gang.

The driver of the car, a 32-year-old woman, was also arrested after checks allegedly revealed her licence had been suspended.

The pair were taken to Wollongong police station, where they were interviewed by detectives.

The woman has been charged with driving with a suspended licence while the man was charged with possessing a gun in a public place, possessing an unauthorised pistol, possessing a gun with its serial number altered and possessing a knife in a public place.

He has been refused bail and is expected to appear in Wollongong Local Court tomorrow.