Egyptian police seize 450 kg explosives near Gaza

EL ARISH, Egypt, Oct 24 (Reuters) Egyptian police seized 450 kg (992 lbs) of explosives they suspect were going to be smuggled to the Gaza Strip, a security official said Today.

Police found the explosives in 15 plastic bags hidden in a storehouse in the Abu Shinar region near the Gaza border, the source said. No one was arrested.

Earlier this month Egyptian police found smuggling tunnels, ammunition, and a bomb near the border. Police found more than two tonnes of explosives in the area in September.

Egypt said in July the smuggling of weapons, ammunition and drugs through tunnels from Egypt into Gaza had dropped since the Islamist movement Hamas took control in June.

Israel has accused Egypt of not doing enough to stop smuggling.

REUTERS AE RK2115