A 32-year-old Dutchman has been arrested in the east of Germany after police found 270 kilos of fireworks in his vehicle, broadcaster NOS reported on Wednesday.

In Germany private individuals can transport up to 50 kilos of fireworks, in the Netherlands just 25. In addition, fireworks can only be bought in the Netherlands on December 28, 29 and 30.

Police did not say what sort of fireworks he was importing but did say the man “drew their attention” when he was driving close to the border with Poland.

Police regularly carry out checks for fireworks at the German Polish border and many of those which are confiscated do not meet safety checks, police say.

Dutch police also said on Wednesday they had closed down four Telegram groups where fireworks were being illegally traded. The youngster who ran the sites is under the age of 18 and will be questioned shortly, police said.