Christchurch police have raided commercial and residential properties this morning as part of a suspected drugs crackdown.

Armed police visited properties in Aranui and Linwood, before smashing the door of a commercial unit at Print Place in Middleton around 9.30 this morning.

Officers in boiler suits emptied the building of boxes and items in clear plastic bags.

Locals thought the building had been used to manufacture drugs as the windows were opened wide.

Detective Sergeant Richard Quested says a number of search warrants were carried out across Christchurch as part of an ongoing operation.

A further police update's expected later today.