Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang member to front Orange Local Court after large-scale cannabis operation uncovered

The trio was charged as part of an ongoing investigation into cannabis cultivation in the state's Central West.

Acting on information, detectives from the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad, under Strike Force Hyperion, commenced an investigation into cannabis cultivation and uncovered a 285-acre property near Coolah being used for cannabis cultivation.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives executed a crime scene warrant at a remote property on Cainbil Road at Coolah, about 110km north of Mudgee on Monday.

Officers located and seized about 250kg of dried cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of more than $1.65 million.

Police also seized a double-barrelled shot gun, ammunition and dried cannabis from a shed on the property, as well as equipment consistent with the cultivation of cannabis.

Three men - aged 21, 45 and 47 - were arrested and taken to Dubbo Police Station.

All three men were charged with cultivate prohibited plant (commercial quantity), supply prohibited drug (large commercial quantity) and participating in criminal group contribute criminal activity.

Police will allege in court the men, including the 45-year-old Bandidos OMCG senior member, were involved in the large-scale cultivation and supply of cannabis across NSW.

Investigations by the Drug and Firearms Squad are continuing, and further arrests are expected.

On Tuesday afternoon Minister for police and emergency services David Elliot acknowledged the great work of the mid-western police force to ensure the war on drugs doesn't take a holiday during the coronavirus pandemic.

He said prominent member of the bikie chapter were arrested and he "can not believe people think they can get away with harvesting 250kg of cannabis" in NSW.

Drug and Firearms Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent John Watson said Strike Force Hyperion was set up to focus on the large scale cultivation of drugs in rural areas and said the latest arrests meant thousands of cannabis plants worth more than $18 million had been taken out of the market.