UPDATE: RCMP bomb squad detonates possible explosives found in Penticton

Penticton residents may have heard a couple explosions last evening as members of the RCMP bomb squad blew up possible improvised explosive devices, or IEDS.

Members of the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit conducted two different controlled detonations yesterday evening, March 11, Penticton RCMP Sgt. Andrew Baylis said in a media release.

A number of explosions have been reported throughout the city over the past few weeks. Police say there could have been more explosions than have been reported to them.

The controlled demolitions last evening conducted by police attracted the attention of the public, who contacted RCMP and posted social media messages.

“These planned explosions were conducted by the explosives disposal unit in a safe manner and posed no threat to the public,” Sgt. Baylis said in the release.

Baylis said the Penticton RCMP and the explosives disposal unit continue to actively investigate the incidents.

Penticton RCMP spokesperson Const. James Grandy spoke to media this afternoon about the explosions. He said police do not consider the incidents a threat to the public at this time but are concerned about the motivation behind the incidents.

“We are thankful these little bombs are not occurring near buildings, they aren’t occurring when there are large numbers of people in those areas, but we are taking this seriously. That’s why we are bringing in specialized units,” he said.

Grandy described the devices as “unsophisticated,” and small.

If you have any information on this matter, notice any suspicious activities or find any suspicious items, you’re asked to call the Penticton RCMP at 250-492-4300.

— This story was updated at 3:36 p.m. March 12, 2021 to include information from an RCMP media opportunity.

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