Jack Lamont allegedly had dissembled rifle, drugs inside his hired car

Jack Lamont, 22, was granted bail in Wollongong Local Court after police pulled him over on suspicion of selling drugs but then allegedly found the gun inside.

Documents tendered to court said South East Region Enforcement Squad officers were patrolling Koonawarra when they saw Lamont driving a Toyota Corolla on Wyndarra Way before he appeared to duck his head when he saw the police car approaching about 3.50pm on Tuesday.

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Checks of the car revealed it was hired and the officers pulled it over on suspicion it was being used to courier illegal drugs around the region, as this is a common mode of transport for suppliers, the documents said.

Lamont pulled over on Fowlers Road and officers allegedly saw him making sudden movements which prompted them to ask Lamont and his female passenger to exit the car.

Police searched the car, allegedly finding fireworks in a Coles bag in the driver's side footwell.

On the passenger's side, officers allegedly found a black Laura Jones brand handbag with parts of a .22 rifle wrapped in black material inside. Officers also allegedly seized the barrel and a scope of the rifle.

Lamont and the woman allegedly denied knowing about or owning the items.

Checks of the serial number revealed the gun was stolen in a break in from a house in Dapto in October.

Officers also found gloves, two Allen keys, 22 rounds of .22 ammunition and an empty magazine clip.

Lamont was then searched, with officers allegedly finding 3.45 grams of methylamphetamine in two small plastic bags and 2.62 grams and $605 inside his wallet.

Lamont allegedly claimed the ice was for personal use but police allege due to the total weight of 6.07 grams that he was selling it.

Lamont and the woman were taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station where he was charged with possessing an unauthorised firearm, not keeping a firearm safely, possessing ammunition without holding a licence, two counts of goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen and supply prohibited drugs.

The woman was released pending further investigation.

In court on Wednesday, police prosecutor Sergeant Ashlea Jacob said the case against Lamont appeared strong and noted firearms posed a serious risk to the public therefore Lamont was facing a full-time custodial sentence.

Defence lawyer Laura Fennell said Lamont was randomly stopped due to police suspicions and not because of ongoing surveillance.

She also noted the firearm found was in pieces and was not able to be used immediately.

Ms Fennell said her client suspected the actual quantity of drugs was smaller than alleged.

Registrar Tina McKenna granted Lamont bail to live with his parents at their Albion Park Rail home. He must report to police three times a week, not leave home unless with his parents and not contact the woman.

The case was adjourned to Port Kembla Local Court on January 12.

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