26/10/2001

Police seize illegal fireworks worth £750,000

Police have seized illegal fireworks worth around three quarter of a million pounds in the Coagh area of County Tyrone.

The haul, which was recovered during a planned search on Wednesday October 24, included around 5,000 display units and 400 garden fireworks. The items found have all been taken away for safe storage by the army.

Meanwhile two Belfast men have been accused of having an Uzi sub-machinegun, two magazines and 20 rounds of ammunition at Lisburn Magistrate’s Court on Friday October 26.

Anthony Notorantonio, 43, of Whitecliff Parade and 32-year-old Robert James Hughes of Ballymurphy Drive in west Belfast were also accused of having information likely to be of use to terrorists - namely a vehicle registration number. Both men denied the charges.

The charges relate to an incident on Wednesday when a car was stopped on the M1 motorway near Moira, County Down. The men were remanded in custody until Tuesday. (AMcE)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

03 October 2013
Ministers Urge Safety This Halloween
Northern Ireland's Health and Justice Ministers have urged the public to stay safe during Halloween celebrations this year. The announcement follows a record low in the number of people injured by fireworks. Just 14 incidents were reported last year.
23 October 2024
Emergency Services Urge Caution During Halloween
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) are joining forces to promote firework safety ahead of Halloween. Halloween is typically a very busy time of year for emergency services with an expected increase in calls reporting a range of concerns, particularly around the misuse of fireworks.
30 July 2007
Police attacked during drugs search
Police have come under attack in Londonderry as they carried out a drugs search at a house in the Brandywell area. Officers were attacked with petrol bombs, fireworks, stones and bottles and two of the officer’s sustained minor injuries.
23 October 2006
Minister warns of dangers of fireworks
Health Minister Paul Goggins has today issued a warning on the dangers of fireworks in the run up to Halloween. Speaking at the Children's A&E Department at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, the Minister said: "Halloween is meant to be a time of fun, with school holidays, parties and fireworks.
11 September 2023
Firework Display Organisers Urged To Submit Licence Applications
Anyone planning a fireworks display this Halloween have been urged to apply for a licence "in good time". It is an offence to buy or be in possession of fireworks without a licence and applications for the Halloween period must received by the Department of Justice by close of play on Friday 20 October 2023.