Photo: Contributed

Armed with good intentions, a resident decided to safely dispose of a possible live shell by dropping it off at the front counter of the Merritt RCMP detachment.

The individual didn't know much about its history, but described the item as a 105-mm artillery shell.

There had been no previous determination made as to whether it was live or not, stated Cpl. Dan Moskaluk.

“The item was in a case and, needless to say, the in-taking officer did not open the case to take a peek,” he said.

The Canadian Forces fleet diving unit from CFB Esquimalt was called in to examine the shell and make an assessment.

It was safely disposed of on Friday, when it was confirmed the shell wasn't live.

“We would like to remind the public ... that the RCMP ... ask that you simply notify your local detachment by phone and request that an officer attend your location to recover unwanted firearms or munitions, instead of bringing the items to police. As we say, safety first,” said Moskaluk.