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Man Held After Huge Chemical Find In Cyprus

Man Held After Huge Chemical Find In Cyprus

A man is in custody after five tons of a chemical compound that can be turned into an explosive was found in a house on Cyprus.

Authorities say the property, in Larnaca, had been under surveillance for some time following a tip-off.

The compound, ammonium nitrate, was stored in around 420 boxes.

The suspect, a 26-year-old Lebanese-Canadian, arrived in Cyprus on 21 May.

He faces charges of conspiracy to commit a criminal offence and possession and transportation of explosives.

An official said he is refusing to cooperate with police, who are investigating whether he is linked with the anti-Israeli group Hezbollah.

They are also searching for the owner of the house.

The suspect is due in in court on Thursday for renewal of his detention order.

In a previous court appearance, the judge ordered the proceedings to be closed to the public after a request by the state prosecutor.

In 2013, a court sentenced a Swedish-Lebanese Hezbollah member to four years for helping to plan attacks on Israelis on Cyprus.