The Mounties’ explosive-disposal unit was called to a South Surrey construction site after suspected explosives were found by construction workers Thursday morning.
However, police confirmed that afternoon that the device was not explosive.
“Our explosives-disposal unit attended and determined the item was modelling clay in the shape of an explosive, and may have been a movie prop at some time,” Sgt. Chad Greig told Peace Arch News.
Grieg said police were alerted at approximately 9:45 a.m. Thursday, and cleared the site.
Initially, the device was described as appearing to be a type of explosive that is “used during construction.”
One worker near the scene told PAN that police had advised him it was thought to be “one pound of military grade C-4.”
Another said it had been located near townhouses on 16 Avenue and was moved by the workers to the more northern site, which was located in an under-construction subdivision northwest of Darts Hill Garden Park.
Police re-opened access to 17 Avenue shortly after 12:30 p.m. Thursday.
– files from Aaron Hinks
