An artillery simulator triggered a response from the RCMP's Explosives Detonation Unit after it was dropped off at Nanaimo detachment several weeks ago.
When activated, the military training devices imitate the sound of an incoming round followed by the detonation of an explosive charge that can injure anyone standing too close when it goes off.
In this case, a member put the device in storage until police explosives experts used a robot to detonate it in a secure container at the detachment the following day.
Artillery simulators are rare, but marine flares, blasting caps and other types of explosives are often brought in to police detachments for disposal.
Police warn that explosives can be highly unstable and should never be handled unnecessarily. People risk putting themselves and others in danger when they drop off explosives for disposal at RCMP detachments.
The RCMP does not accept expired or unusable flares. Instead, the public should call Pacific Blasting Demolition at 1-604-291-1255 for instructions on what to do with the items.
Firearms are accepted at RCMP detachments, but must be accompanied by the registration form, emptied of ammunition and the firing mechanism secured or disassembled before being transported. Police officers will attend residences and examine firearms if required.
Anyone who finds an item that appears to be an explosive is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency number at 250-754-2345 and police will examine the item and determine what to do with it.
For more information about what items that can and cannot be accepted by the RCMP, please call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.