Windsor police on the lookout for missing explosive material
An estimated five pounds of a potentially volatile material has gone missing, and Windsor police want to know where it is.
The legal substance — known by the commercial product name Tannerite — is used for long-distance target practice with firearms. When mixed and struck by a highvelocity bullet, it detonates and produces an explosion.
A total of 10 containers of Tannerite, each weighing a half a pound, were in the trunk of a black 2017 Toyota RAV4 that was reported stolen on Nov. 12.
The complainant told police the vehicle had been parked in the basement parking space of an apartment building in the 100 block of Riverside Drive East.
Sometime between 4 p.m. on Nov. 11 and around 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 12, the vehicle was stolen.
On Wednesday around 6:50 p.m., patrol officers found the unoccupied automobile parked in the 900 block of Windsor Avenue.
The car’s Ontario licence plate (BLVN 622) had been removed. Also missing: the five pounds of Tannerite.
According to Windsor police, the bulk material of Tannerite is not a threat to public safety on its own. The contents of the missing containers will only become reactive when mixed with a catalyst or sensitizer.
Even when mixed, Tannerite will only explode when triggered by the impact of a transonic bullet — i.e., a bullet travelling at least 2,000 feet per second. Shotgun and pistol rounds, for example, do not have the velocity to reliably detonate Tannerite.
The company warns against using more than one pound of Tannerite on a single target.
Two pounds of Tannerite — quantities only meant for professionals in “extreme long-range” competition — will turn a large household appliance such as a fridge or washing machine into small debris.
Members of the public need a licence to purchase or possess Tannerite.
The Windsor police Property Crimes Unit is continuing to investigate.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call officers at 519-255-6700, ext. 4350.
Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or www.catchcrooks.com.