April 7, Pozirk. Belarusian customs officers said yesterday they prevented a man from smuggling 580 kg of explosives from Poland into Belarus through the Terespol-Brest checkpoint. That was the largest seizure on record.
Forensic experts said that the seized substance is a highly explosive pentaerythritol tetranitrate used as the primary ingredient in detonating fuses and as a component in some plastic explosives, the State Customs Committee reported.
The explosives were reportedly concealed by sound-absorbing panels and chipboard sheets and were discovered during a profound inspection of the Mercedes van, which was covered by automotive grease to prevent detection by K-9 units.
Belarusian investigators have charged the 41-year old driver with smuggling explosives. His citizenship has not been disclosed. The man may face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
