(file photo/Vernon Matters Staff)
under investigation

Explosive ‘hand grenades’ found during traffic stop

Jan 24, 2024 | 1:32 PM

A traffic stop in the North Okanagan uncovered what turned out to be explosive devices in a vehicle.

On Monday, Jan. 22 around 11:45 p.m., a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP officer stopped what was determined to be a suspicious vehicle on Reservoir Road in Spallumcheen.

“The vehicle had failed to stop for police in Vernon earlier in the evening and the driver was taken into custody without incident,” media relations officer Const. Chris Terleski said. “During an initial search of the vehicle, the officer saw several items that resembled hand grenades inside the vehicle.”

After consulting with the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU), an area was cordoned off for safety reasons and the vehicle was left in place until EDU could attend.

“At approximately 12 p.m., on Tuesday, Jan. 23, EDU officers attended the scene. After the items were rendered safe, an analysis of the contents confirmed the presence of explosives,” Terleski added.

The driver of the vehicle was released from custody and police are continuing their investigation.

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