Mortar round -- Photo released by LPS

By Dori Modney

LPS Explosive Disposal Unit seizes and destroys live mortar rounds

Mar 2, 2020 | 2:32 PM

LETHBRIDGE — Lethbridge Police dealt with some unexpected weapons over the weekend in the form of munitions.

On Saturday (Feb 29) police responded to the Supervised Consumption Site (SCS) in regards to a report that a mortar round had been found by a client in the garbage can near the front door of the building, along the 1000 block of 1 Avenue South.

SCS staff evacuated the building and surrounding parking lot as a precaution. A member of the Explosive Disposal Unit determined the ordnance was an active explosive 81 mm mortar round.

Earlier in the month, police received a report that two unidentified individuals in a north side neighbourhood were seen in possession of a backpack that contained what appeared to be two explosive devices.

The complainant was able to provide a photo of the devices to police, which matched the round located at the SCS. A search of the building was undertaken but the second round was not found. A short time later police located and safely seized the second round just off a walking path in Galt Gardens.

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Canadian Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians arrived in the city to assist LPS in the safe destruction of the rounds.

An investigation continues to determine who placed the mortars at the SCS and Galt Gardens.