Police investigate substance found near Pori TNT plant site, protesters face new charges

Police in southwest Finland are still determining the nature of a substance found near the construction site of a TNT explosives plant in Noormarkku, Pori, Yle reports.

The investigation began a week ago after a report of a possible oil spill on land close to the Forcit explosives factory site. Three people were detained after they had erected banners protesting the plant the same day.

Authorities now suspect two of the protesters—not only of environmental damage, as previously reported—but also of possession of an object or substance capable of causing serious harm.

A group called Pelastetaan Noormarkku (Save Noormarkku) has denied dumping oil. In a statement, members said they were released from custody after 12 hours and reiterated their commitment to protecting nature.

Jari Klaus, the lead investigator and detective chief inspector with the Southwest Finland Police, said the probe is now focused on identifying the substance and its origin. He estimates the investigation will take weeks.

The Forcit plant received its placement and construction permits from Pori’s vitality and environment board at the end of June. The facility, expected to create around 70 jobs, has an estimated cost of €200 million and is considered vital for Finland’s defence industry supply security.

Opposition to the project has been strong locally, with four formal objections submitted during the permitting process by the Pori branch of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, the Safe Noormarkku association, and several individuals.