POLICE have charged three men after finding almost 300 cannabis plants in the tray of a ute, near Lithgow, in the NSW Central Tablelands.

The 290 plants were found during a vehicle search about 10.30pm (AEDT) on Friday.

Police say the search was initiated after the 46-year-old driver couldn't produce identification during a routine check.

The driver and his two male passengers, aged 41 and 47, were charged for knowingly taking part in the cultivation of prohibited plant and possessing a prohibited plant.

Bail was refused and the men will appear before Katoomba Local Court tomorrow.

Meanwhile, more than $4 million worth of cannabis, two rifles and $50,000 cash were seized after a series of police raids in northern NSW.

Detectives from the drug squad's cannabis team over the past week found more than 2300 plants growing in several locations around Coffs Harbour with help from the NSW police air wing, dog unit and local police.

Two rifles and more than $50,000 cash were also found at a property at Nymboida.

Police issued seven men and two women with court attendance notices for drug offences.

The plants, worth more than $4 million will be destroyed.