Investigators from the State Crime Command's Drug and Firearms Squad established Strike Force Drail in February to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs and firearms across NSW.

Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives executed four search warrants at properties at Cessnock on Thursday.

During the searches, detectives seized a shortened rifle, prohibited drugs, mobile phones, ammunition and $8000 cash.

During one of the raids, at about 6.20am, police searched a property at Cessnock where they found prohibited drugs, cash and phones. A 34-year-old man was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.

A second search warrant was executed simultaneously at a nearby home, where police seized prohibited drugs, a firearm, ammunition and an electronic control device.

Just after 6.30am, investigators stopped a vehicle on Alexander Street, Cessnock, and spoke to 26-year-old man.

During a subsequent search of the car, police a located prohibited drugs, a knife and cash. The man was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.

A short time later, detectives attended another home at Cessnock, where they seized a phone, cash and cannabis.

A search warrant was executed at a fourth Cessnock home about 6.40am, where police seized cash, prohibited drugs and capsicum spray. A 27-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.

All seized items will be forensically examined.

Charges are expected to be laid later today and inquiries continue.