Explosives, firearms seized in RCMP call to Salmon River residence

SALMON RIVER — A commercial detonator, a grenade and gun powder were among explosive materials and firearms seized at a Salmon River residence Sunday evening following a disturbance call.

While Colchester District RCMP were investigating the disturbance, firearms and explosives were found inside the home on Salmon River Road, Sgt. Andrew Joyce said Tuesday.

But he said the situation is unrelated to the recent mass murders that took the lives of 22 Nova Scotia residents.

"There is absolutely nothing to indicate there is any relation between the two," he said.

As a precaution, police evacuated the four-unit building, he said. Police obtained a warrant and seized 17 firearms and a large amount of ammunition from the home. Explosive materials, including a commercial detonator, a grenade, a smoke grenade, flares and gun powder were also seized.

“Nobody was injured, and once police had secured the firearms and explosives, the residents were allowed to return to their homes.”

A 55-year-old Salmon River man was arrested at the scene. He was held in custody overnight and was released Monday on conditions to appear in Truro provincial court on

June 3.

His charges include assault; unauthorized possession of a firearm; unsafe storage of a firearm; and possession of explosive devices.

The victim of the alleged assault and the accused are known to each other, Joyce said.

The investigation is ongoing and is being led by the Colchester District RCMP Community Action Team, which comprises members from the Colchester Street Crime Enforcement Unit and General Investigation Section. Investigators were also assisted by the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit and the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team.