The RCMP explosives disposal unit destroyed a cache of explosive items found as part of what one Port Alberni officer is calling the largest seizure of firearms he has seen in the city.
The investigation began Monday when police received a 911 call with people screaming in the background.
Officers responding to a house on Burde Street and found several restricted and prohibited firearms in plain view, said Port Alberni RCMP Const. Richard Johns.
They obtained a search warrant for the residence on Tuesday and located more firearms, along with homemade grenades and chemicals that could be used to make more explosives, Johns said.
He said the explosives disposal was at the home Wednesday and conducted a “controlled detonation” of the explosive items just after 1:30 p.m.
It caused a small fire that was immediately doused by the Port Alberni Fire Department, which was standing by.
No one was injured, Johns said.
He said the case is “very unusual” for Port Alberni and involves the biggest single impoundment of firearms he knows of for local police.
A 48-year-old man has been arrested on charges that include possession of a prohibited weapon, with more charges expected.
He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court Thursday.
