Three men in Paphos pled not guilty to charges of illegal possession of explosives on Monday after being found in possession of more than 96,000 firecrackers in March.

According to police at the time, they received a tip off and intercepted the three men while they were unloading boxes from two cars.

The men, aged 34, 31, and 23, were arrested, and police found a shoulder bag containing €3,000 in cash belonging to the 34-year-old.

Police confirmed that the 96,000 firecrackers were “industrial grade”.

The men appeared at the Paphos criminal court on Monday and pleaded not guilty. Their trial will begin on July 20.