A search is underway for the remains of a man allegedly murdered in a "particularly gruesome" way in the New South Wales Central West.
Police said Strikeforce Heighway was launched in June 2021 to investigate the manufacture and supply of prohibited drugs.
The investigation uncovered information about the disappearance and suspected murder of 24-year-old "Jacky" Chong Kai Wong in December 2020.
A search for the Malaysian citizen's remains began at a rural property at Killongbutta, about 40 kilometres north-west of Bathurst yesterday.
The search resumed this morning and is expected to continue over coming days.
NSW Police Drug and Firearms Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent John Watson, said Mr Wong's death appeared to have been "particularly gruesome".
"We know Jacky was working for a criminal enterprise involved in the cultivation of cannabis in regional NSW around the time of his alleged murder," Detective Superintendent Watson said.
"These criminal groups are known for targeting young individuals with the promise of easy money, which often leads to them working in illegal grow-houses on remote properties.
Three charged with murder
Police have also raided properties in Sydney and arrested three men, who are all accused of being involved with the alleged murder.
Police allege the killing occurred sometime between Christmas Day 2020 and January 8, 2021.
Two men in their 20s were arrested yesterday following searches at homes in Auburn and Marsfield and have been charged with murder and drug offences.
They are expected to face Hornsby Local Court today.
It follows the execution of a search warrant at a Berala property last week, where detectives allegedly seized cash, electronic devices and documentation
A 33-year-old man was arrested and charged with several offences, including murder and cultivate prohibited plant.
He has been remanded in custody to appear before Bathurst Local Court in May.
