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Grenade launcher retrieved

UPDATE: 5:55 p.m.

RCMP in the Lower Mainland have retrieved their grenade launcher.

In a news release later this afternoon, Staff Sgt. Annie Linteau said the police "equipment" reported missing this afternoon has been located.

Following extensive media coverage, a member of the public called RCMP immediately to report they recovered the "equipment" in the area the kit was believed to have gone missing.

"Officers have connected with them and confirmed that all missing items have been accounted for," said Linteau.

"A review of the incident is continuing."


ORIGINAL STORY: 3:10 p.m.

Mounties in British Columbia are searching for a missing non-lethal grenade launcher that appears to have fallen off the back of a truck.

RCMP spokeswoman Staff Sgt. Annie Linteau says in a news release that the force is looking for a 40-mm Abrams Airborne Less Lethal Multi-Launcher and some related ammunition.

Online descriptions of the equipment say the multi-launcher is used by tactical teams to control crowds by firing ammunition such as pepper spray and rubber bullets.

Linteau says it is believed the equipment fell through the back hatch of a truck canopy as the vehicle travelled near the Golden Ears Bridge Sunday morning.

She says a passing motorist alerted the police officer driving the truck to the open hatch, and when they stopped to check the vehicle's contents, they found a green camouflage bag with the weapon inside and a black backpack missing.

Linteau says the area was searched thoroughly, but the items have not been located.

"We are very concerned about the loss of these items and are doing all we can to locate them," Linteau says.

Anyone who finds the items is asked to refrain from handling them and to contact police immediately.



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