A man carrying an imitation firearm prompted an armed police stop in Tauranga.

A 36-year-old man has been arrested following last night's police operation.

A police media spokesperson says the arrest follows an armed police stop which happened at about 8pm on Tuesday.

'Information from a member of the public led police to stop the vehicle on Cambridge Rd in Tauranga last night.

'A 36-year-old man was arrested and is due to appear in court on April 20 for possessing an imitation firearm and for drug-related offences.

'There were no concerns for public safety.”

Witnesses who watched the armed police stop fold have described the event as 'crazy”.