Illegal transport of explosives foiled in Palakkad, driver taken into custody

Police on Wednesday seized a pick-up van carrying a large quantity of explosives near the Palakkad town area, officials said.

An officer of the Palakkad Town South police station said the vehicle was found transporting more than 100 boxes of gelatin sticks and over 20 boxes of detonators , which were concealed beneath a consignment of watermelons.

The seizure was made late on Wednesday after police received specific information that a large quantity of explosives was being illegally transported into the state. Acting on the tip-off, police intensified vehicle inspections in the area and intercepted the pick-up van.

“The driver failed to stop when signalled by the police. The vehicle was chased and later stopped for inspection,” the officer said.

During preliminary interrogation, the driver revealed that the explosives had been loaded from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and were being transported to a quarry in Thrissur district , police said.

The driver has been taken into custody for questioning. Police said a case will be registered against him under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 after the completion of formal seizure procedures.

Further investigation is underway to determine whether the transport of explosives had valid permits and to identify others involved in the illegal movement of the materials.