Police got more than they bargained for when searching for a man who stole from a minibar at a Central Queensland hotel.

Officers allegedly uncovered 25 grams of ice, a pipe and $3000 cash - hidden inside a man's vehicle.

"One was in a small lockable case and another part was in a sunglass case," Detective Inspector Darrin Shadlow said.

Police claim the man stole from a minibar at an Emerald hotel just hours earlier, and their investigations lead them to the alleged haul.

"It was at another hotel. They were trying to source another room," he said.

The 30 year-old Rockhampton man has been charged with possession of dangerous drugs, stealing and receiving tainted property.

Police allege the ice was worth around $12,000 and the minibar was just $120.