The Hague, Dec. 17, (dpa/GNA) – Some 80 tons of illegal fireworks have been confiscated in the Netherlands ahead of New Year celebrations, an analysis of statistics compiled by the authorities around the country showed on Tuesday.
The figures, which are updated weekly, show that 8.3 tons of illegal fireworks were confiscated last week. The third week of November saw confiscations totalling almost 11 tons.
Relatively strict rules on fireworks in the Netherlands leads to the illegal import of banned material from Germany and Belgium ahead of the New Year – and corresponding police checks.
Criminal elements also deal in fireworks, which they use for explosive attacks that have multiplied in recent years.
Last year, 79 tons were confiscated, and in 2022, the figure reached 110 tons.
GNA