A 57-year-old unemployed man is facing drug charges following an armed police raid in Pyes Pa.

Police shut down State Highway 36, near Williams Road, briefly yesterday afternoon as they conducted a search warrant.

Armed police and dog units were used during a drug bust in Pyes Pa yesterday afternoon.

Armed police, dog units and other officers were involved in the search which uncovered methamphetamine and a sawn-off shotgun.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner says the highway was shut down for the public's safety.

"We apologise for any inconvinience."

The man will appear in Tauranga District Court today charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply and possession of a sawn-off shotgun.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Tauranga Police on 07 5774300.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.