Over 100 Boxes of Explosives Recovered from Pick-Up Van in Kerala

PALAKKAD, Feb 5: Police seized a pick-up van carrying more than 100 boxes of explosives near the Palakkad town area in Kerala late Wednesday night, officials said.

An officer of the Palakkad Town South police station said the vehicle was found transporting over 100 boxes of gelatin sticks along with more than 20 boxes of detonators. The explosives were concealed beneath a load of watermelons, he added.

The seizure took place on Wednesday (February 4, 2026), following specific information that large quantities of explosives were being illegally brought into the State. Acting on the tip-off, police intensified vehicle inspections in the area.

According to the officer, the driver of the pick-up van was taken into custody. During preliminary questioning, he told police that the explosives were loaded from Coimbatore and were being transported to a quarry in Thrissur.

“The driver failed to stop when signalled by the police, following which the vehicle was chased and intercepted,” the officer said.

Police said a case under the Explosive Substances Act will be registered against the driver after completion of the seizure formalities. (Agencies)