Belarusian authorities intercepted a van carrying 580kg of the high explosive pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), believed to be of US origin, at the Belarus-Poland border, the State Customs Committee of Belarus reported on April 2. The vehicle was allegedly bound for Russia, reports Vedomosti.

The Mercedes van, driven by a 41-year-old male, crossed into Belarus through the Brest checkpoint from Poland. Customs officers, acting on suspicions, scanned the vehicle using an inspection and screening complex, which revealed unusual darkening beneath the floor and in the partition separating the cargo and passenger compartments.

“A 41-year-old driver attempted to smuggle 580kg of a particularly powerful foreign-made explosive (presumably from the USA) across the Belarusian-Polish border and then transport it to Russia,” the Belarusian department stated via its official Telegram channel.

Upon dismantling sections of the vehicle’s interior, authorities discovered a dense layer of light-grey and light-yellow material concealed within the floor and wall. Preliminary findings indicated the explosives were camouflaged using vibration and noise insulation materials and chipboard. In an apparent attempt to avoid detection by sniffer dogs, technical grease had been applied to the interior surfaces.

Subsequent laboratory analysis confirmed the substance as PETN, a potent explosive frequently used in military and terrorist operations. The driver was detained on site for further investigation.

Brest Customs has opened a criminal case under Part 2 of Article 333-1 of the Belarusian Criminal Code, concerning the illegal cross-border movement of explosives and other restricted materials. Charges have been filed against the driver and an unidentified group of accomplices.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment. The Belarusian authorities have not yet disclosed the intended recipients of the explosives in Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for the seizure of the "largest consignment of extremely dangerous cargo: explosives," during a telephone conversation to discuss bilateral cooperation and joint efforts in combating terrorism, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

“Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. The heads of state discussed current matters of cooperation between the two states. They also addressed the subject of cooperation between Russian and Belarusian special services in the fight against terrorism,” Peskov said.

The interception highlights the ongoing security cooperation between Russia and Belarus, particularly in safeguarding their shared borders against illicit activities. Both nations have previously expressed concerns over border security, with Lukashenko approving decisions on state border protection for 2025, as reported by BelTA.​