Toxic waste discovered in Paraguay

The authorities in Paraguay say they're investigating the discovery of hundreds of barrels of toxic waste in the capital, Asuncion.

According to customs officials, the barrels were found on Tuesday during a routine inspection of a warehouse.

The waste is believed to be part of a consignment that entered the country illegally via Germany more than five years ago.

Officials are waiting for special equipment before they carry out a thorough examination.

A BBC correspondent in South America says there have been allegations that the consignments may have been brought to Paraguay under a secret deal involving members of the Paraguayan military.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service