Dutch police have seized over 60 tonnes of fireworks in the run up to the New Year celebrations but this is almost half the 2022 total and a quarter of the weight found in 2021.

The decline is due to fewer large finds, police said on Saturday. In 2022 and 2021, large hauls of fireworks were found hidden in bunkers just over the border with Germany which were destined for the Dutch market.

However, several big finds were made in homes and vehicles this year, including 2,100 kilos hidden in a delivery van.

The police have also focused more on disrupting illegal market places for fireworks on Telegram and similar sites. Last month, for example, they closed down a Telegram trading site with 9000 members.