UPDATE: Suspicious packages rendered safe, area around Nanaimo RCMP detachment cleared Mar 19, 2019 11:24 AM

NANAIMO — The area around the Nanaimo RCMP detachment near downtown is clear after the explosives team safely removed two suspicous packages.

They were discovered on the lawn beside the detachment late Tuesday morning and had writing on them which caused alarm.

The building was partially evacuated and nearby roads were closed for roughly five hours.

RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said it was a concerning situation but one officers are well-trained for.