About 2am Sunday, police were patrolling Aberdare Road when they signaled to pull over a Yamaha road bike that was stolen.

The motorcycle failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated which continued for 16km, ending in Campbell Street, Ellalong, where the motorbike was laid down on its side.

The male rider ran from the scene, leaving behind a 20-year-old female passenger. She was arrested by police.

Police established a perimeter and the man, aged 24, was arrested more than an hour later on a rural property.

Police allegedly found a large amount of drugs and cash after searching both people.

The man and woman were taken to Cessnock Police Station where the man was charged with drive stolen conveyance, police pursuit - second offence, disqualified driver/rider, deal with proceeds of crime, supply and possess prohibited drug and enter enclosed lands.

He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court on Monday.

The woman was charged with supply and possess prohibited drug, deal with proceeds of crime, and carry cutting weapon on apprehension.

She was granted conditional bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday, June 27.