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)

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