Police in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta are investigating large-scale purchases of nitric acid (HNO₃) and aluminium foil – substances used as raw materials in the home production of explosives.
According to Telemadrid and La Gaceta, the alarm was raised when a local supermarket alerted the police that a large group of migrants, some accompanied by members of the NGO No Name Kitchen (see box below), had purchased large quantities of these products.
Shortage of nitric acid at the migrant reception centre?
Police are investigating whether the purpose of the large-scale purchases is to make homemade explosives, “nitric acid bombs”. Officers are trying to establish who was behind the purchases, whether the material has been hidden away, and whether similar purchases have been made at other shops.
According to police sources, most of the migrants involved are said to be Moroccans staying at the CETI reception centre.
🔴🇪🇸 | Alerta máxima en Ceuta: La policía investiga la compra masiva de precursores de explosivos realizada por inmigrantes ilegales.
Según la información adelantada por La Gaceta, la cadena de supermercados Mercadona habría dado la alarma a la Policía Nacional este viernes… pic.twitter.com/gVWaaBX34M
— Adais Cásares (@adais_casares) August 28, 2026
The situation in Ceuta is extremely tense following the massive border violation at the end of July, when tens of thousands made their way into the enclave. In recent days, there have been repeated protests by local residents, road blockades and clashes. There have also been reports of bottles containing chemicals being thrown at Spanish demonstrators.
The investigation is still at an early stage. Police have not publicly confirmed that any completed explosives have been found.
