A man in Russia's southwest Urals has been arrested for trying to sell a hand grenade at a bus stop to buy alcohol, local police said.

The incident took place in the city of Ufa on Thursday. The 55-year-old man was seen by police operatives at a bus stop "approaching the drivers of taxis and buses, and offering to sell them a grenade for 800 rubles ($27.50)", a spokesperson told RIA Novosti.

The man has been charged with illegal possession of explosives, and faces up to four years in prison.

The man claims to have found the Degtyaryov grenade "while clearing out the garage of his friend who died about seven years ago. He decided to sell the weapon while suffering from a hangover, due to his strong desire to drink alcohol," the spokesperson said.