Egyptian police impound almost 3 million firework shells

Ahram Online , Friday 6 Feb 2015

The trade and use of fireworks is prohibited in Egypt, although fireworks displays are nonetheless a common sight

Fireworks
(Photo: Al-Ahram)

Police confiscated almost three million illegal fireworks shells, often deployed as a weapon during street clashes, from a warehouse in Cairo on Friday, state news agency MENA reported.

The fireworks, banned in Egypt, were found in 400 boxes in a warehouse belonging to a 28-year-old man, who was arrested and will be questioned by prosecutors on Saturday.

Police told MENA the suspect confessed to intending to trade the fireworks.

Despite the ban on trading and using fireworks, it is common in Egypt for fireworks to be launched in celebrations, including on occasions celebrating the country's two revolutions.

The security vacuum that followed the 2011 revolution saw a sharp increase in the distribution and use of fireworks in Egypt.

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