Three teenagers were not 'loving it' when they got caught leaving a McDonald's drive-thru with bags of cannabis and suspected burner phones.

The incident happened on November 11 just before 11pm in Forest Town.

McDonald's staff alerted police to the strong smell of cannabis coming from a vehicle and offiers stopped the car shortly afterwards.

Inside, response officers found packets of cannabis, a quantity of cash and three mobile phones on one of the occupants.

A large quantity of cash, as well as drugs, was seized by officers. Photo: Submitted

placeholder image — A large quantity of cash, as well as drugs, was seized by officers. Photo: Submitted

A search of the vehicle also found cannabis stashed under the driver's seat and the glove box.

More cannabis and codeine syrup were also discovered stashed in the back seats.

The driver of the vehicle, aged 18, failed a roadside drugs test and was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving and possession with intent to supply a class B drug.

The two passengers, also both aged 18, were also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class B drug.

Officers then visited the trio’s homes where further drugs were found, including a large quantity of cannabis, deal bags and a quantity of cash, which was all seized.

All three were released on strict conditional bail while further inquiries are made.

Det Sgt Clint Gloyn said: "This was a fantastic result by the two response officers who worked very closely with McDonald's to secure this stop and search.

"Driving while under the influence of drugs is reckless and puts the lives of other road users including yourself at risk of serious harm or death.

"It will always result in your licence being taken off you when you go to court.

"Not only did we find a quantity of drugs, cash and mobile phones in the vehicle, which have all been seized, we then visited their home addresses where more drugs were recovered.

"I think the public will agree that drug dealing is a complete blight on our neighbourhoods and is often linked to serious-organised crime including knife crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Law-abiding citizens do not want to see drug dealers making large sums of money from peddling drugs to often vulnerable people in their neighbourhoods whilst they go to work and earn an honest living.

"That's why as a police service we will always take action as this incident clearly shows."