Explosives hidden under watermelons seized on Kerala–Tamil Nadu highway

Kerala Police seize nearly 4,000 gelatin sticks and 17 detonators concealed under a watermelon load on the Palakkad highway. Driver detained; probe into interstate explosives smuggling underway

PGurus Newsdesk

February 5, 2026

Kerala Police bust explosives haul on highway

4,000 gelatin sticks concealed in fruit truck, Kerala Police foil smuggling attempt

Kerala Police on Tuesday seized a large cache of explosive materials that were allegedly being smuggled into the state concealed inside a mini-lorry carrying watermelons. The seizure was made on the Walayar–Vadakkenchery National Highway, a key arterial route connecting Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as Senthil Kumar, a native of Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu, was taken into custody for questioning.

Nearly 4,000 gelatin sticks recovered

Police officials said they recovered nearly 4,000 gelatin sticks and 17 detonators, packed inside over 100 boxes. The explosives, estimated to be worth several lakhs of rupees, were allegedly hidden beneath a load of watermelons to evade routine checks during transit.

The seizure took place around 9 pm on a service road near the Palakkad Government Medical College.

Tip-off led to interception

According to officials, the operation was carried out following a specific intelligence input. A police team led by South Inspector Vipin Kumar intercepted the vehicle and conducted a detailed inspection.

During the search, officers first removed the watermelon crates stacked on top, after which the concealed boxes containing explosive materials were обнаружed.

Transport route under investigation

Preliminary interrogation revealed that the explosives were allegedly transported from Salem in Tamil Nadu and were being taken to Thrissur in Kerala. Police said further questioning is underway to identify the intended recipients and to determine whether the consignment had any valid authorisation or permits.

A bomb disposal squad was immediately deployed to the site to examine and secure the explosives safely.

Border smuggling a persistent concern

Officials noted that interstate smuggling of explosives remains a serious security concern along the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly flagged Palakkad as a vulnerable transit corridor for illegal movement of gelatin sticks and detonators.

Last year alone, Palakkad and Coimbatore police reportedly seized over 40,000 gelatin sticks and more than 5,000 detonators in multiple cases linked to illegal transportation into Kerala.

Further probe underway

Kerala Police said investigations are ongoing to ascertain the larger network behind the consignment and whether it was linked to organised smuggling, illegal quarrying operations, or other criminal activities.

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