A member of the public tipped off police, who headed to Bowraville Rd, 15km south of Bellingen.

There they saw a parked Holden Commodore with three people inside.

Officers said the trio ran off into nearby scrub.

Police chased the group and a woman, 24, was arrested.

A large number of freshly cut cannabis plants were found inside the car.

Two men, aged 22 and 27, emerged from the bush a short time later and also were arrested.

The three were taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station and questioned by police.

Coffs/Clarence Duty Officer, Chief Inspector Shane Cribb said the arrests wouldn’t have been made without the information provided by the public.

“I want the local community to be aware that any information they provide to us could lead to arrests such as this,” Chief Insp Cribb said.

“I’m urging members of the public with information about illegal activities to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Two men and a woman were charged with possession of a prohibited plant and possession of cannabis.

They have been released on bail, to appear at Bellingen Local Court on

April 30.