An 18-year-old man has been arrested and charged after police discovered a loaded handgun in his vehicle during a traffic stop, the Surrey Police Service (SPS) says.

Police say they observed a man driving a white Porsche accelerating and driving through a red light.

“With the assistance of SPS Project Assurance members, the vehicle was successfully stopped, and the driver was identified and arrested,” police said.

“A search of the vehicle subsequent to arrest located a loaded firearm in the vehicle.”

Paramveer Singh Deol, a resident of Surrey, has been charged with multiple offences, including failing to stop for police, occupying a vehicle with a firearm inside, possession of a loaded firearm without a licence, and careless transport of a firearm, 9mm pistol.

Deol remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing, the SPS says.