3 in custody after suspected explosive device found in vehicle at B.C. border

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – Canada Border Services Agency says three people are in custody after a suspected explosive device was found in a vehicle at a British Columbia border crossing.

Spokeswoman Bernee Bolton said during a routine secondary examination at a crossing in Abbotsford, B.C., officials found what appeared to be a suspected explosive device and immediately called police.

Bolton said three travellers were taken into custody and the investigation was ongoing with Abbotsford Police at the scene and RCMP providing assistance.

Abbotsford Staff Sgt. Rick Stewart tweeted a photo of a grenade Thursday evening with the hashtag #inert. He said the RCMP’s Explosive Disposal Unit had been called out.

“Cutting through BC? Don’t have grenade in plain view,” he wrote. “Closed border & called out EDU. No entry for u.”

The B.C. RCMP did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Bolton was unable to immediately confirm the device was an inert grenade but said there was no ongoing threat to the public.

“The CBSA takes all threats to the health and safety very seriously and takes immediate and appropriate action when faced with potential risk,” Bolton said in a statement.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Jaime Ruiz said U.S. officials have been involved in information-sharing and are prepared to provide help if necessary.

He said Canadian officials are leading the investigation as the car was entering Canada. Travellers leaving Washington for Canada were being urged to use another border crossing to save time.

The incident occurred around mid-afternoon on Thursday and forced the Abbotsford crossing to close for about 40 minutes before two of the five lanes were reopened.