Residents living near the Tauranga police station were force had to evacuate on Monday after a suspicious item was found at the station.

A police spokesperson said an “item of concern” was discovered at the station at 5pm.

“Nearby residents were evacuated, and cordons were put in place as a precaution.”

Police said the item of concern was a combination of chemicals that police believed were drugs from a search warrant.

“Upon further inspection, the item was determined to be a volatile substance.”

Police said the New Zealand Defence Force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squad were consulted, and the item was removed to the backyard of the Police station, where it was later safely detonated.

“Police would like to thank residents near the Tauranga Central Police station for their co-operation following an evacuation on Monday evening.”