The Timmins Police Service responded to a call for service at the Victor M. Power Municipal Airport in Timmins this morning.

A suspicious item was located during standard baggage screening processes at approximately 4:30 a.m. this morning.

The item was subjected to further scrutiny by baggage screeners and tested positive as being inflammable or explosive in nature.

In keeping with Transport Canada regulations, the item was contained, and the person linked to the item was taken into custody by the Timmins Police Service.

The airport terminal was evacuated and public access to the airport was denied.

All morning flights set to arrive or leave from the airport were cancelled.

The Timmins Police deemed these measures necessary as part of their public safety protocols.

The OPP’s Explosive Disposal Unit (North Bay) was called to the scene to retrieve the suspicious item.

It has been determined to be a replica grenade novelty cigarette lighter. A container of lighter fluid was also located within the baggage.

A 22 year old South Porcupine man was taken into custody in keeping with the ongoing investigation.

The Timmins Police Service continues to work alongside Timmins Airport Authority personnel and Transport Canada officials in regards to this event.

The airport was re-opened at approximately 9:30 a.m. this morning and is resuming normal operations.

The Timmins Police Service has responded a number of calls for service at the Timmins airport of a similar nature, requiring police investigation.

The importance of travelers being astute and aware of the potential cause for alarm when transporting prohibited items and substances cannot be underestimated.

The burden of being aware of travel restrictions in terms of what is permissible and what is clearly not permissible lies with the individual traveler.

Common sense would dictate that any item likely to cause alarm or fright should not be included with your travel baggage.

Please refer to the following website for further guidance: http://www.catsa.gc.ca/whatcanIbring or contact the CATSA Contact Centre at 1-888-294-2202 (toll-free), 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST.

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