Operation Chifley Gateway Two, comprising officers from Chifley Local Area Command, was launched to target heavy vehicles, driving offences, as well as drug, alcohol and animal offences on the Great Western Highway.
At about 10.30 pm on Friday police stopped a Toyota utility, containing three men, at Marrangaroo for routine checks. The driver, a 46-year-old man, was unable to provide identity and officers subsequently searched the men and vehicle with assistance from the Dog Unit.
Officers located and seized 290 cannabis plants which were being carried in the rear of the vehicle. The driver and two passengers, aged 47 and 41, were arrested and taken to Lithgow Police Station where they were charged with knowingly taking part in cultivation of prohibited plant; and possessing prohibited plant.