An unusual item was turned in to the Abbotsford Police Department (APD) on Friday as part of June’s firearms amnesty program.
Const. Ian MacDonald said a resident phoned police to report that he wanted to hand over a missile. The man indicated the item had been given to him by a relative who had returned from a tour of duty with the Canadian military about 10 years ago.
At first, police weren’t sure they should believe the caller, MacDonald said.
“We kind of really didn’t know what to expect when somebody says they have a missile.”
But when police arrived at the residence, they discovered the rocket was authentic, MacDonald said.
He said officers, not knowing whether the item was explosive, declined to transport the device and called experts with the Canadian military to remove it.
“They took it away, and we were happy with the result,” MacDonald said.
The province-wide firearms amnesty program invites the public to turn over potentially deadly weapons to police for disposal. MacDonald said items turned in to the APD this year included 27 rifles, seven pistols, six shotguns, ammunition and other items such as knives and martial-arts weapons.
The APD offers this service on a less formal basis throughout the year. Anyone with an unwanted weapon is asked to first phone the non-emergency line (604-859-5225).
They are advised not to transport the items in their vehicle or bring them to the front counter of the APD.