Peruvian Police siezed more than 2,000 pounds of explosives in two different operations yesterday. According to daily La República, authorities in La Libertad Department found 1,771 pounds of ammonium nitrate, 3,800 dynamite sticks and 5,000 meters of slow match fuse in the possession of a 52-year-old suspect. Police tests say the explosives were manufactured in Lima factories owned by EXSA and UEE-FANEXA.
In southern Peru, police also apprehended Vicente Tapara Carrasco and Ángel Ricardo Quispe Ccoa. They were caught allegedly transporting 568 dynamite sticks and 2,200 common explosives in Puno Department.
Authorities believe the explosives were intended for either informal mines or guerrilla activity. Lawyer Vicente Raúl Del Solar told La República the men will face a minimum of 10 years in prison if the material was intended for mining. They could face up to 35 years in prison if it was destined for insurgents.
