http://baldwinpark.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/lasd-bust-suspect-for-1760-pounds-of-illegal-fireworks-in-san-gabriel-valley-baldwinpark

LASD Bust Suspect for 1,760 Pounds of Illegal Fireworks in San Gabriel ValleyPosted by Michelle Mowad (Editor) , May 12, 2014 at 09:32 PM

Photo Courtesy: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

On Monday, May 11, at approximately 5 p.m., while patrolling the area of Merced Avenue and Remer Street, South El Monte, deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Temple Sheriff’s Station saw the driver of a van perform an unsafe lane change and run a red light.

Deputies immediately conducted a traffic stop and discovered that the driver, Edwin Hernandez, a 28 year-old male resident of Wilmington, was driving on a suspended license and placed him under arrest.

Subsequent to Hernandez’ arrest, 22 cases of illegal fireworks, each of which weighed 80 pounds, were discovered in his van. 

According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Arson Investigator Dahlmeier, the total amount of 1,760 pounds (nearly one ton) of illegal fireworks discovered in the van seen driving in an unsafe manner through the city of South El Monte was enough to blow a house off of its foundation.

Hernandez was booked at Temple Sheriff’s Station for Possession of Illegal Fireworks For Sale, and is being held in lieu of $25,000.

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LaCoFD Arson investigators took possession of the illegal fireworks and will be conducting the investigation.

—Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

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http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/06/11/2-women-arrested-after-authorities-find-275-pounds-of-illegal-fireworks-in-downtown-la-plaza/

2 Women Arrested After Authorities Find 250 Pounds Of Illegal Fireworks At Chinatown StoreJune 11, 2014 10:20 PM

EL MONTE (CBSLA.com) — El Monte police detectives arrested two women after seizing 250 pounds of illegal fireworks at a Chinatown store.Lana Sieu Ngu, 43, and Ngoc Pham, 45, were taken into custody during a raid of a shop at 828 Broadway, El Monte police Lt. Christopher Williams said.The suspects were expected to be booked on suspicion of possession of a destructive device and sale of explosives.Authorities were not as concerned with the size of the bust, but with the product that was being sold—M-1000 explosives.“Basically, an M-1000 is equated to about a quarter-stick of dynamite,” Williams said. “So you can imagine the amount of damage that could do.”Williams added, “In some cases, the people who sell this take no obligation or no understanding that they might be selling to somebody that doesn’t understand the level of damage it can cause.”The fireworks bust was part of a larger operation by El Monte police, who last week seized 22 tons of illegal fireworks from a warehouse in Gardena.“We’re not over. It’s going to continue until the Fourth of July,” Williams said.KCAL9’s Kristine Lazar reports that the fireworks are made in China and imported to the U.S.(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/06/04/6-in-custody-after-seizure-of-18-tons-of-illegal-fireworks-in-gardena/

6 In Custody After Seizure Of 18 Tons Of Illegal Fireworks In GardenaJune 4, 2014 10:13 AM

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(credit: El Monte Police Department)

GARDENA (CBSLA.com) — Six people were in custody Wednesday in connection with the seizure of about 18 tons of illegal fireworks found in a Gardena warehouse, police said.El Monte police investigating the sale and distribution of illegal fireworks were led Tuesday to the warehouse in the 13000 block of Halldale Avenue in Gardena, where they served a search warrant and discovered dozens of boxes of contraband fireworks.Gardena police and the Los Angeles County Fire Department assisted with the investigation.

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http://www.templecitytribune.com/current-news/temple-city-deputies-bust-suspect-for-nearly-one-ton-of-illegal-fireworks-possession/

Temple City Deputies Bust Suspect for Nearly One Ton of Illegal Fireworks Possession

On Monday, May 11, 2014, at approximately 5:00 p.m., while patrolling the area of Merced Avenue and Remer Street, South El Monte, deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Temple Sheriff’s Station saw the driver of a van perform an unsafe lane change and run a red light.Deputies immediately conducted a traffic stop and discovered that the driver, Edwin Hernandez, a 28 year-old male resident of Wilmington, was driving on a suspended license and placed him under arrest.Subsequent to Hernandez’ arrest, 22 cases of illegal fireworks, each of which weighed 80 pounds, were discovered in his van.According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LaCoFD), Arson Investigator Dahlmeier, the total amount of 1,760 pounds (nearly one ton) of illegal fireworks discovered in the van seen driving in an unsafe manner through the city of South El Monte was enough to blow a house off of its foundation.Hernandez was booked at Temple Sheriff’s Station for Possession of Illegal Fireworks For Sale, and is being held in lieu of $25,000.LaCoFD Arson investigators took possession of the illegal fireworks and will be conducting the investigation.Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Arson Investigator Dahlmeier at (626) 433-1011. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

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http://www.coronadelmartoday.com/42387/home/authorities-detain-juvenile-in-illegal-fireworks-case/

Authorities Detain Juvenile in Illegal Fireworks CasePOSTED: APRIL 14TH, 2014 02:23 PM |0NO COMMENTS

A Los Angeles County Fire Department arson investigators used CraigsList to track illegal fireworks to a Newport Beach house over the weekend, according to a news release. Officials also detailed a 15-year-old Newport Beach boy for possession of illegal fireworks on Sunday, the release said.

“After the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) Arson Unit arrested an illegal fireworks manufacturer in Glendora, CA, subsequent investigation lead them to a Craigslist ad showing similar illegal fireworks for sale in the Newport Beach/Costa Mesa area,” the release said. “Undercover personnel from LACoFD contacted the seller and arranged a meeting for a ‘buy-and-bust’ operation.”

The Newport Beach Police Department, the Newport Beach Fire Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Bomb Squad assisted, the release said.

“Within hours, these public safety agencies seized over 51 pounds of illegal fireworks from a residence on King’s Road,” the release said. Investigators also found other “destructive explosive devices” that they seized from a home on Residencia. The devices included two M-80s, four M-1000s and 20 M-5000s — also known as quarter sticks and half sticks.

The 15-year-old was released to the custody of his parents.

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http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_25934732/san-jose-police-father-arrested-after-10-year

San Jose police: Father arrested after 10-year-old boy mangles hand with fireworksBy Robert Salonga

rsalonga@mercurynews.com

POSTED:   06/10/2014 09:25:31 AM PDT8 COMMENTS| UPDATED:   3 DAYS AGO

SAN JOSE -- A 10-year-old San Jose boy was hospitalized and his father arrested after the child got hold of a fireworks stash and mangled his hand, in what police are holding up as a tragic example of having illegal pyrotechnics.

The instance that drew police attention occurred around 7 p.m. Friday at a home on Lewis Road, between Monterey and Senter Roads, when a family member reported that the boy had ignited fireworks in a bedroom. The explosion inflicted "major trauma" to his hand and sent him to the hospital, where he is expected to survive, police said.

After the explosion, responding officers from San Jose police found 14 pounds of fireworks inside the home, said spokeswoman Sgt. Heather Randol. The injured boy's father was arrested on suspicion of felony child endangerment and misdemeanor possession of illegal fireworks.

The 39-year-old father has not been identified to protect the privacy of the juvenile victim.

Without a pyrotechnics permit, it is illegal to possess any form of fireworks in the city of San Jose, Randol said. The boy's injury should serve as a stern warning given the expected purchase and use of fireworks in advance of the Fourth of July holiday, police said.

"We want residents to be aware of the danger of having and using fireworks at home," Randol said.

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She added San Jose residents will have access to a series of city-sponsored fireworks displays revolving around Independence Day.

"There are safe fireworks activities that will be happening in the city," Randol said.

It was not immediately clear where the fireworks in Friday's accident came from, or what kind of grade they were. The case remains under investigation.

According to the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 200 people in the United States go to emergency rooms for fireworks accidents each day during the month surrounding the Fourth of July holiday, with 20 percent of them age 10 and under. Hands and fingers are the most-injured body part, accounting for 41 percent of fireworks-related injuries, according to CPSC figures.

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http://www.losangelesregister.com/articles/fireworks-599509-fire-monterey.html

25 tons of illegal fireworks seized from Monterey Park warehouseBy ALYSSA DURANTY /STAFF WRITER 

May 16, 2014 

Updated 6:14 p.m.

By ALYSSA DURANTY / STAFF WRITER

MONTEREY PARK – Fire officials have confiscated 25 tons of illegal fireworks, possibly the largest seizure of illegal fireworks in the city’s history, officials said.

Monterey Park Fire Department discovered the fireworks in boxes labeled “Made in China” after an anonymous tip led them to a warehouse May 9 in the 900 block of Monterey Pass Road.

Monterey Park Fire Marshal Randy Harper said the business was selling fireworks that ranged from party popper types to illegal and unsafe models.

“The fireworks, even the ones that were “Safe and Sane,” didn’t have the appropriate seal from the State Fire Marshal office,” Harper said. “The building wasn’t permitted and didn’t have proper fire systems to sell fireworks.”

The bulk of the fireworks are models that would be usually legal to sell in the city between June 28 and July 4 if they were properly permitted.

Fire authorities hauled the fireworks away on seven tractor trailers to state-approved firework collection sites outside the city. They will be held there as evidence.

No arrests were made as of Friday.

Contact the writer: aduranty@losangelesregister.com

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http://www.kionrightnow.com/news/local-news/nearly-2000-pounds-of-illegal-fireworks-seized-in-undercover-sting/26495736

Nearly 2,000 pounds of illegal fireworks seized in undercover stingPolice say man was selling them on FacebookChaas Toborg, Newscast Producer, ChaasToborg@kionrightnow.com

POSTED: 05:39 PM PDT Jun 14, 2014 UPDATED: 05:51 PM PDT Jun 14, 2014 

SALINAS, Calif. -Salinas Police say a tip from a concerned citizen led them to one massive bust.

Officers were led to 33-yaer-old Daniel Escatel Alcocer by a report that he posted photos of nearly 1,800 pounds of illegal fireworks on his Facebook page.  He allegedly listed them as being for sale out of the Towt Street home he lived in.

An undercover officer arranged a deal to purchase them.  He showed up to find the fireworks, valued at around $20,000 on the street, stashed in an illegal shed behind the house.  Fire crews say that poses another big threat.

"Maybe the electrical is not done up to code or maybe its not structurally sound." said Battalion Chief Brett Loomus with Salinas Fire.  "So if you have a fire that starts in that structure, now you have all

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those fireworks that are detonating.  Had that occurred in this structure, there would have been multiple homes in that neighborhood damaged or destroyed."

Police say that selling the illegal fireworks on Facebook is a crime in itself.  Alcocer now faces those charges along with several other misdemeanors and a felony count of selling illegal fireworks.

The sting was carried out by a Department of Justice task force comprised of Salinas Police, Monterey County Sheriff's Deputies and CHP officers.  They say they're aware of several other suspects.

Salinas Police and fire say they patrol for illegal fireworks for the two weeks before and after the July 4th holiday.  Anyone caught with illegal fireworks can face steep fines and can be arrested.

Copyright © 2014, KION. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

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http://www.sacbee.com/2014/04/28/6360121/pre-fourth-of-july-fireworks-arrest.html

Pre-Fourth of July fireworks arrest by Sacramento policeBy Bill Lindelofblindelof@sacbee.com

Published: Monday, Apr. 28, 2014 - 9:17 am

It’s more than two months before the Fourth of July, but Sacramento police say that a motorist was driving around Sunday morning with illegal fireworks.

Police said that about 8 a.m. Sunday they stopped Lloyd Gonzales, 24, who was driving near Blair Avenue and Freeport Boulevard, across from Executive Airport. Once stopped, they found he had illegal fireworks. The department bomb squad was called in as a precaution.

Gonzales was arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal fireworks, according to a police activity report.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/04/28/6360121/pre-fourth-of-july-fireworks-arrest.html#storylink=cpy

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http://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/articles/2014/06/23/news/doc53a88dd4e6b4a371408638.txt

Fontana officers seize thousands of dollars worth of illegal fireworks; three people are arrested

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Thousands of dollars worth of illegal fireworks were seized by Fontana Police Department officers recently. (Contributed photo by Fontana Police Department)Published: Monday, June 23, 2014 1:32 PM PDT

Police seized thousands of dollars worth of illegal fireworks during recent investigations which resulted in the arrests of three people, according to the Fontana Police Department.

From June 12 through June 18, the P.D.'s Rapid Response Team began investigations into the sales of illegal fireworks through

Craig's List ads and other sources.  During this period, five adults and one juvenile were arrested and/ or cited for a variety of charges related to the illegal sale and/or distribution of illegal fireworks.

"The Fontana Police Department takes a zero tolerance approach to the sale and possession of illegal fireworks, " said Fontana Police spokesperson Martha Guzman-Hurtado. "Officers will be deployed in full force before, during and after the July 4 holiday enforcing firework violations."

In separate incidents, police arrested 49-year-old Clyde French from Victorville, 24-year-old Johnny Castro from Chino and 21-year-old Anthony Viramontes from Fontana.  The suspects were booked into the West Valley Detention Center on felony charges related to the sale and /or possession of illegal fireworks.

In addition, two adults and one juvenile were issued Fontana municipal code citations as a result of these investigations, with potential fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.

In total, it is estimated that between $12,000 and $15,000 in illegal fireworks were seized. Additionally, two firearms, an illegally modified high-capacity magazine and more than 500 rounds of ammunition were confiscated.

All illegal fireworks were turned over to the San Bernardino County Fire Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Bomb Unit for destruction.

For information, residents can contact the City of Fontana's illegal fireworks information line at (909) 356-7101.

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http://www.sddt.com/News/article.cfm?SourceCode=20140620cf&_t=10+tons+of+fireworks+seized+at+LA+County+business#.U6ifpblOXcs

10 tons of fireworks seized at LA County businessFriday, June 20, 2014

PICO RIVERA, Calif. (AP) -- Police have seized some 10 tons of illegal fireworks from a Los Angeles County metal shop business. El Monte police said in a statement that detectives received a tip about illegal fireworks being sold at Thomas Brothers Tube Bending in nearby Pico Rivera. They raided the building Thursday and seized the fireworks from a trailer and storage containers. Police say the estimated street value is at least $100,000. Lt. Chris Williams says customers walked up to try to buy fireworks even as detectives were dismantling the operation. The metal shop owner and an employee were arrested. Their names were not released and no one at the business could be reached for comment.

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http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/06/19/craigslist-ad-helps-oc-police-seize-560-pounds-of-illegal-fireworks/

Craigslist Ad Helps OC Police Seize 560 Pounds Of Illegal FireworksJune 19, 2014 11:55 PM Share on email 15 View Comments

Related Tags:Illegal Fireworks, Pico Rivera, Raid, Santa Ana, Seizure, Sting

SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com/AP) — A Craigslist ad led investigators Thursday to a Santa Ana garage, where they seized up to $10,000 in illegal fireworks.

Undercover agents responded to the post advertising fireworks and were directed to a garage in the 1100 block of West Stanford Street, police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said.

Police arrested the resident on suspicion of possessing illegal fireworks and the explosives were seized, Bertagna said.

The stockpile weighed about 560 pounds and was worth between $5,000 and $10,000, he said.

Thursday’s bust was the first in Santa Ana this season and investigators plan many more.

OC Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi says the fireworks were purchased from outside the country.

“These were the dangerous explosives, the kinds that blow hands off,” Concialdi said.

The fire chief says they’re going after unregulated fireworks because they often have quick fuses that lead to dangerous accidents. He says crews responded to 39 serious injuries last year.

Officials also worry that setting off fireworks can cause fires.

Residents were urged to not buy illegal fireworks and to instead attend public firework displays. To find an OC fireworks event near you, call (714) 573-6225.

Police in El Monte also made an explosives seizure Thursday, confiscating some 10 tons of illegal fireworks from a Pico Rivera metal shop business. Officers acting on a tip raided Thomas Brothers Tube Bending and obtained at least $100,000 worth of fireworks.

Lt. Chris Williams says customers walked up to try to buy fireworks even as detectives were dismantling the operation.

The metal shop owner and an employee were arrested. Their names were not released and no one at the business could be reached for comment.

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(TM and ©Copyright 2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2014/06/illegal_fireworks_santa_ana_costa_mesa.php

Crime-iny

Illegal Fireworks That Would Startle Isis Terrorists Seized in Santa Ana and Costa MesaBy Matt Coker Fri., Jun. 20 2014 at 1:41 PM

Courtesy of Santa Ana Police Department

Some of the illegal fireworks seized in Santa Ana Thursday.

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Heck, we haven't even made it to July (let alone the Fourth) and already cops in Santa Ana and Costa Mesa have made huge hauls of illegal fireworks.

On Thursday, undercover Santa Ana cops responding to a craigslist advertisement went to a residence in the 1100 block of West Stanford, where they posed as buyers. Police then seized 560 pounds of illegal fireworks worth up to $10,000, according to Cpl. Anthony Bertagna, the department spokesman.

Someone living at the residence was arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal fireworks, Bertagna added. Police officers took the fireworks cache to an Orange County Fire Authority facility in Anaheim for destruction.

Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Conciald called the fireworks "extremely dangerous."

Courtesy of Santa Ana Police Department

More of the fireworks seized on West Stanford.

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"These were the dangerous explosives, the kinds that blow hands off," Concialdi told City News Service, noting those types of fireworks are acquired from outside the country, often unregulated and have quick fuses.

The fire authority, which last year responded to 39 serious injuries, recently held a news conference with Orange County sheriff's officials to stress only safe and sane fireworks should be used in areas where they are allowed. Those authorities also echoed the recent statements of state fire officials who warned the public our long drought has set us up for a horrible wildfire season.

Santa Ana residents are encouraged to attend public displays of fireworks, which they can find the locations of by calling 714.573.6225.

The same day of the Santa Ana seizure, cops in neighboring Costa Mesa we called shortly before 8 p.m. to the parking lot behind Newport Liquor, 2200 Newport Blvd., where a man was allegedly selling fireworks out of a red pick-up truck with a U-Haul trailer attached to it.

Photos courtesy of Costa Mesa Police Department

Antonio Arellano was arrested for allegedly selling illegal fireworks to kids.

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Officers met with Antonio Arellano near his red Dodge Durango (with attached trailer) and discovered the 51-year-old was selling illegal fireworks to local minors, according to a Costa Mesa Police Department statement. He was later arrested and booked into Orange County Jail in Santa Ana (although I don't know if he was stuck in a cell with the previous arrestee).

Arellano had purchased more than 500 pounds of illegal fireworks for $2,000 in Pahrump, Nevada, before bringing them to Orange County to sell, according to Costa Mesa police. (Either Arellano got a screaming deal or the quality was less than the 560 pounds taken in Santa Ana, where Bertagna set the street value at between $5,000-$10,000.)

Costa Mesa fire investigators confiscated Arellano's truck and the attached trailer containing the fireworks. The 300 or so mortars, 300 aerial fireworks, 300 Roman candles, 3,600 bottle rockets, 40 large sky rockets, more than 600 M-150 type explosives, and over 11,000 firecrackers are set to be disposed of at 3 p.m. today at Costa Mesa Fire Station No. 4 at 2300 Placentia Ave., according to city officials.

The city previously announced that only "safe and sane" fireworks can be set off during certain hours July 2-4. (As a resident of the north part of the city, I can tell you we've had foundation-shaking blasts going on just about nightly for the past three weeks.)

On the next page is what police and fire officials say they removed from Arellano's trailer and another shot from the Santa Ana case ...

Photos courtesy of Costa Mesa Police Department

Think of the number of illegal fireworks' shows averted.

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Courtesy of Santa Ana Police Department

Some illegal fireworks were even packaged like what you'll find at legal fireworks' stands.

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Email: mcoker@ocweekly.com. Twitter: @MatthewTCoker. Follow OC Weekly on Twitter @ocweekly or on Facebook!

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http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/story/10712895d86341a28b5bb0a047ad0f66/CA--Fireworks-Seized

10 tons of fireworks seized, 2 arrested at Los Angeles County metal shop business

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS  

First Posted: June 19, 2014 - 9:55 pmLast Updated: June 19, 2014 - 9:58 pm

A A A

PICO RIVERA, California — Police have seized some 10 tons of illegal fireworks from a Los Angeles County metal shop business.

El Monte police said in a statement that detectives received a tip about illegal fireworks being sold at Thomas Brothers Tube Bending in nearby Pico Rivera.

They raided the building Thursday and seized the fireworks from a trailer and storage containers. Police say the estimated street value is at least $100,000.

Lt. Chris Williams says customers walked up to try to buy fireworks even as detectives were dismantling the operation.

The metal shop owner and an employee were arrested. Their names were not released and no one at the business could be reached for comment.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fireworks-624298-police-santa.html

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Illegal fireworks seized in Santa Ana STAFF AND NEWS SERVICE REPORT Published: June 19, 2014 Updated: June 20, 2014 4:38 p.m.

SANTA ANA Santa Ana police seized up to $10,000 in fireworks Thursday through an undercover sting of a seller on Craigslist.

Investigators responded to a Craigslist ad and met with someone who directed police to a garage in the 1100 block of West Stanford Street on Thursday afternoon, Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said. The resident was arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal fireworks and the explosives were seized, Bertagna said.

Police estimate that the fireworks are worth between $5,000 and $10,000, Bertagna said. It was the first such bust in Santa Ana this season, but investigators plan more, he added.

Orange County Fire Authority crews picked up the 562 pounds of fireworks, which Capt. Steve Concialdi described as “dangerous illegal explosives” that had been obtained out of the country. The fire authority planned to turn the explosives over to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department bomb squad, which will destroy them.

Around this time last year, the fire authority responded to 39 reports of injuries related to both illegal and “safe and sane” fireworks.

“Kids think they are safe and they have a fuse, but they can detonate right away,” Concialdi said.

Elsewhere, Costa Mesa officers also spotted a man selling fireworks out of his truck near 22nd Street and Newport Boulevard shortly before 8 p.m. Thursday. They arrested the man, who claimed he had bought the $2,000 worth of fireworks in Nevada, Sgt. Matt Grimmond said.

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Also, about five tons of illegal fireworks were found at a Pico Rivera business Thursday and two people, one believed to be the business owner, were taken into custody.

The fireworks were located around 2:30 p.m. at Thomas Brothers Tube Bending at 4747 Citrus Drive, according to Lt. Chris Williams of the El Monte Police Department, which is handling the investigation. The names of those arrested in Pico Rivera were not released.

Contact the writer: City News Service and Staff Writer Sean Emery contributed to this report.

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http://abc7.com/news/10-tons-of-illegal-fireworks-seized-in-pico-rivera/125039/

10 tons of illegal fireworks seized in Pico Rivera; 2 arrested

Ten tons of illegal fireworks were seized Thursday in Pico Rivera and two people were arrested.

By Melissa MacBride

Thursday, June 19, 2014

PICO RIVERA, Calif. (KABC) --

Ten tons of illegal fireworks were seized Thursday in Pico Rivera and two people were arrested.

Hundreds of boxes of illegal fireworks were carted off by police.

A San Gabriel Valley fireworks task force had been investigating Pico Rivera company Thomas Brothers Tube Bending at 4747 Citrus Drive for several weeks. The owner and an employee were arrested.

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When authorities went to the property they discovered 10 tons of fireworks Thursday morning.

"We had stuff here in the warehouse, containers in the back, and then a couple trailers that were stacked with it, so we were just finding it all over the place," said L.A. County Fire Captain Tom Richards.

Police say word was already out on the street that this was the place to buy illegal fireworks.

"Our detectives were actually approached by several people, I think didn't realize they were detectives, attempting to buy fireworks from our detectives as they were basically dismantling this operation," said El Monte Police Lt. Christopher Williams.

The fireworks don't have a seal from the California State Fire Marshal and are not considered "Safe and Sane"-classified fireworks that are allowed in some California cities.

The fireworks confiscated are destructive and explosive devices based on their size under state law. Possessing them is a felony.

Firefighters say 95 percent of fireworks-related injuries come from these types of fireworks.

"Sometimes what they do is they hold them up against their leg like this and shoot them down a street or whatever, and it explodes out the back, and they've blown their leg off," said Fire Captain Richards.

The Fire Department said some of the fireworks may have come from Nevada, where they are legal. The street value of Thursday's haul is approximately $100,000, according to officials.

The investigation was ongoing.

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http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/06/11/2-women-arrested-after-authorities-find-275-pounds-of-illegal-fireworks-in-downtown-la-plaza/

2 Women Arrested After Authorities Find 250 Pounds Of Illegal Fireworks At Chinatown StoreJune 11, 2014 10:20 PM

Related Tags:Arrests, El Monte Police Department, Illegal Fireworks, Los Angeles, Saigon Plaza

EL MONTE (CBSLA.com) — El Monte police detectives arrested two women after seizing 250 pounds of illegal fireworks at a Chinatown store.

Lana Sieu Ngu, 43, and Ngoc Pham, 45, were taken into custody during a raid of a shop at 828 Broadway, El Monte police Lt. Christopher Williams said.

The women were expected to be booked on suspicion of possession of a destructive device and sale of explosives.

Authorities were not as concerned with the size of the bust but with the product that was being sold — M-1000 explosives.

“Basically, an M-1000 is equated to about a quarter-stick of dynamite,” Williams said. “So, you can imagine the amount of damage that could do.”

Williams added, “In some cases, the people who sell this take no obligation or no understanding that they might be selling to somebody that doesn’t understand the level of damage it can cause.”

The fireworks bust was part of a larger operation by El Monte police, who last week seized 22 tons of illegal fireworks from a warehouse in Gardena.

“We’re not over. It’s going to continue until the Fourth of July,” Williams said.

KCAL9’s Kristine Lazar reports that the fireworks are made in China and imported into the United States.

(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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http://www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/crime/2014/06/14/cal-grip-operation-southern-monterey-county/10532129/

Illegal fireworks cache recoveredSNA9 a.m. PDT June 16, 2014

(Photo: Provided photo / courtesy Salinas Police Department )

A Salinas man was arrested Saturday on suspicion of trying to sell some 1,800 pounds of illegal fireworks, authorities said.

Salinas Police said Daniel Escatel Alcocer, 33, was taken into custody following the successful completion of a sting operation involving California Department of Justice Task Force Agents, Salinas Police, Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies and officers from the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities said they were tipped to Alcocer via the social media site Facebook where they received information that he was allegedly selling large quantities of illegal fireworks.

Officers made contact was made with Alcocer and a deal was made to purchase the fireworks from his home on Towt Street.

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An undercover officer met Alcocer at his residence and Alcocer directed the officer to a large shed in the backyard where he had all the fireworks displayed. As soon as the deal took place, officers arrested Alcocer.

The Salinas Fire Department was called in to assist and take possession of the fireworks. The fireworks consisted of small explosives as well as aerial fireworks. An extensive inventory of the fireworks was conducted and based on the price list Alcocer posted on Facebook, the fireworks were valued at approximately $20,000. The fireworks also weighed in at approximately 1800 pounds, making it a felony, police said.

Alcocer was booked into the Monterey County Jail for several misdomeanor and felony sections related to possession and sales of illegal fireworks.

Cal-GRIP Operation in southern Monterey County

The Greenfield Police Department spearheaded a collaborative gang suppression operation in southern Monterey County on Friday and Saturday, according to the Greenfield Police Department.

Participating agencies included police departments of Gonzales, Soledad, King City, Del Rey Oaks, Greenfield, the U.S. Marshals, Soledad State Prison, Salinas Valley State Prison, California Department of Corrections, California Parole Department, Monterey County Adult Probation Department, Department of Homeland Security/ICE, and the California Highway Patrol.

The operation was part of the California Gang Reduction, Intervention, and Prevention (CalGRIP) Program and resulted in a total of 21 arrests of offenders from throughout South Monterey County: Soledad (4); King City (4); Greenfield (13). Charges included violations of felony probation, violations of parole, outstanding misdemeanor and felony warrants, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for sale, possession of paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, obstructing and resisting a police officer, possession of ammunition, possession of controlled substance, child endangerment, and possession of firearm with altered serial number.

During the operation 30 traffic stops, 10 pedestrian checks, and 50 parole/probation compliance checks and executions of warrants were conducted.

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http://www.presstelegram.com/general-news/20140624/long-beach-police-seize-454-pounds-of-illegal-fireworks

Long Beach police seize 454 pounds of illegal fireworks

Long

Beach police seized 454 pounds of illegal fireworks in Compton. (Courtesy photo) 

By City News ServiceLONG BEACH >> Long Beach police Tuesday confiscated 454 pounds of illegal fireworks with a street value of more than $5,000.

Derek Quintana, 30, of Compton was cited for allegedly selling illegal fireworks, Long Beach police said.

Investigators were tipped off to the crime Sunday through an online post advertising the fireworks for sale.

Through their investigation, detectives were led them to Quintana’s home in Compton.

Long Beach does not allow any fireworks, including those marked as “safe and sane.” Anyone cited or arrested for fireworks violations face a $1,000 fine and/or a six-month jail sentence, police said.

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http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/06/19/craigslist-ad-helps-oc-police-seize-560-pounds-of-illegal-fireworks/

Craigslist Ad Helps OC Police Seize 560 Pounds Of Illegal FireworksJune 19, 2014 11:55 PM

SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com/AP) — A Craigslist ad led investigators Thursday to a Santa Ana garage, where they seized up to $10,000 in illegal fireworks.Undercover agents responded to the post advertising fireworks and were directed to a garage in the 1100 block of West Stanford Street, police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said.Police arrested the resident on suspicion of possessing illegal fireworks and the explosives were seized, Bertagna said.The stockpile weighed about 560 pounds and was worth between $5,000 and $10,000, he said.Thursday’s bust was the first in Santa Ana this season and investigators plan many more.OC Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi says the fireworks were purchased from outside the country.“These were the dangerous explosives, the kinds that blow hands off,” Concialdi said.The fire chief says they’re going after unregulated fireworks because they often have quick fuses that lead to dangerous accidents. He says crews responded to 39 serious injuries last year.Officials also worry that setting off fireworks can cause fires.Residents were urged to not buy illegal fireworks and to instead attend public firework displays. To find an OC fireworks event near you, call (714) 573-6225.Police in El Monte also made and explosives seizure Thursday, confiscating some 10 tons of illegal fireworks from a Pico Rivera metal shop business. Officers acting on a tip raided Thomas Brothers Tube Bending and obtained at least $100,000 worth of fireworks.Lt. Chris Williams says customers walked up to try to buy fireworks even as detectives were dismantling the operation.The metal shop owner and an employee were arrested. Their names were not released and no one at the business could be reached for comment.

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http://ventura.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?nid=136360&nc=1

Fireworks Arrestupdated: Jun 25, 2014, 8:16 PM 

By Oxnard Police

Detectives from the Oxnard Police department concluded an investigation today into a business in the city of Oxnard that was selling "dangerous fireworks." Detectives received information that illegal fireworks were being sold from a business in the 1100 block of Industrial Avenue. Upon verifying that fireworks were being sold, detectives contacted Christian Perez, who was identified as the seller.

Perez was also in possession of a significant quantity of illegal fireworks. Detectives searched the business and located several thousand dollars' worth of dangerous fireworks. There were over 25 different types of illegal fireworks, with some labelled as pyrotechnic and explosive. The seizure included rockets and mortars. The fireworks were seized, and later sent to a local fire station to be safely destroyed.

Perez was arrested for various charges, including selling and possession of explosives, and was booked in Ventura County Jail.

All fireworks are illegal in Oxnard. This includes those categorized as "safe and sane" as well as "dangerous fireworks." The "State Fireworks Law" is established by the Health and Safety Code (H&S) sections 12500-12534. More specific information can be found at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi- bin/displa...

"Dangerous fireworks" are defined by 12505 H&S, and generally involve fireworks with specific chemical content, as well as those that explode, fly, travel, skip, or dart.

"Safe and Sane" is defined by 12529 H&S to include "any fireworks which do not come within the definition of "dangerous fireworks" or "exempt fireworks."" This typically includes the types of fireworks that are purchased at fireworks stands. .

The Oxnard Police Department Oxnard police department will continue to enforce the ban on all fireworks in Oxnard. Anyone possessing, storing, selling, using, transporting or handling any type of fireworks is subject to a fine of up to $1,000. In some instances, a misdemeanor arrest may occur.

Statistics show fireworks are among the most risky of consumer products. Nearly 10,000 fireworks- related injuries are treated in U.S. hospital

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emergency rooms every year and two of five people injured by fireworks are under 15 years old. The most current statistics from the National Fire Protection Association show that in 2011 eight out of nine, or 89 percent, of all fireworks-related injuries treated in emergency room injuries were caused by fireworks that are allowed for consumer use by federal or state regulations. Similarly, Sparklers, fountains, and novelties alone accounted for one-third (34%) of emergency room fireworks injuries.

This year Oxnard PD has set up an email address - fireworks@oxnardpd.org - to report fireworks in advance of the holiday. In your email, please include the address where the fireworks are being used. It is not necessary for you to leave your name and phone number if you do not wish to do so.

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http://www.news10.net/story/news/local/california/2014/06/26/fireworks-state-food-and--agriculture-department-cal-fire/11379737/

State agriculture department cracking down on fireworks

State officials with the Department of Food and Agriculture said they are working to crack down on illegal fireworks that cross state lines.

Agriculture officials and fire inspectors will be checking vehicles at agriculture inspection stations along highways in San Bernardino County and near the Oregon stateline, looking for illegal fireworks.

State leaders said this operation, along with other crack down measures, have led to tremendous results already.

"Over the first five months this year, over 350,000 pounds of dangerous fireworks have been seized, 175 tons destroyed," Deputy State Fire Marshal Jason DeWitt said.

State leaders are hoping people buy the legal fireworks known as safe and sane fireworks, which do not fly or explode.

"Our goal is to keep illegal fireworks out of California as much as possible," Cal Fire spokesperson Dennis Matchisen said.

Cal Fire officials said with the state reeling from the drought, fireworks add an extra layer wildfire danger.

"All we need is one spark and we get a wildfire," Matchinsen said. "So, we are trying to get that message out don't use illegal fireworks."

The sale of legal fireworks starts Saturday, June 28.

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http://m.mountain-news.com/mobile/news/article_252954b8-fcc7-11e3-8fcf-0019bb2963f4.html

Fireworks ConfiscatedBy Mike Harris, Reporter | Posted: Thursday, June 26, 2014 12:00 am

County Fire personnel over a two-day period earlier this month confiscated 10,380 pounds of illegal fireworks coming in from Nevada.“They included illicit aerial and explosive devices, and citations were issued,” County Fire spokesperson Tracey Martinez told the Mountain News. The confiscations took place along Interstate 15, Martinez said, and the county’s fireworks interdiction effort is ongoing.Emphasizing that fireworks of any kind are prohibited in the mountains, Martinez said that this is the peak time of the year for people trying to bring illegal fireworks into the county.“This is a program fire investigators do every year,” she added.Residents and visitors to the mountains are encouraged to enjoy the professional fireworks displays that will take place in Lake Arrowhead on July 4 and in Crestline on July 5.

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http://m.keyt.com/news/oxnard-man-arrested-for-selling-dangerous-fireworks/26685430

Oxnard Man Arrested for Selling Dangerous FireworksBy Kelsey Gerckens, KEYT - KCOY - KKFX Reporter, kelsey.gerckens@keyt.com

Published On: Jun 26 2014 07:52:02 PM CDT Updated On: Jun 27 2014 12:03:01 AM CDT

It's not even the Fourth of July yet, but a man is already under arrest for selling illegal fireworks.

OXNARD, Calif. -

It's not even the Fourth of July yet, but a man is already under arrest for selling illegal fireworks.

Selling or buying fireworks is completely illegal in most cities up and down the coast, and local police departments are doing what they can to enforce that law.

There are some exceptions though.  In Santa Maria, Lompoc and Fillmore you can legally buy and use fireworks but only the ones that are labeled "Safe and Sane."

If the fireworks aren't labeled as "Safe and Sane," they are considered dangerous and completely illegal in the State of California.

"Basically, if they explode, fly, skip, travel or they dart. Those are the fireworks that fall into the category of dangerous fireworks," said Oxnard Police Department's Assistant Chief Jason Benites. Local police departments are doing what they can to enforce the ban on fireworks.  On Tuesday, the Oxnard Police Department received a complaint on social media that a person was selling fireworks on Craiglist.  Benites said the Craigslist ad led undercover detectives to a shop on the 1100 block of Industrial Avenue in Oxnard.  According to Benites, undercover officers were able to purchase illegal fireworks from Christian Perez.  The 29-year old was arrested for illegal sales and possession of dangerous fireworks.  Police said they confiscated more than 25 types of illegal fireworks worth thousands of dollars from Perez.

NewsChannel 3 spoke with Christian Perez at his auto body shop where he was caught selling the fireworks.  Perez told NewsChannel 3 he knew selling fireworks is illegal, but he didn't see

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any harm in it and didn't realize he could be arrested for it.

Anyone possessing, storing, selling, using, transporting or handling any type of fireworks is subject to a fine of up to $1,000.

If you would like to report someone using fireworks in your neighborhood, call your local police department.  For anyone living in Oxnard, you can also report fireworks in advance of the holiday to fireworks@oxnardpd.org.  In your email, please include the address where the fireworks are being used.  It is not necessary for you to leave your name and phone number.

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http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/3-Arrested-in-Illegal-Fireworks-Sting-in-Pittsburg-264946601.html

3 Arrested in Illegal Fireworks Sting in PittsburgBy Derek Shore and Bay City News

|  Friday, Jun 27, 2014  |  Updated 5:23 PM PDT

Law enforcement officials arrested three people and confiscated more than 2,500 pounds of illegal fireworks Thursday afternoon in Pittsburg, a Contra Costa County Fire Protection District spokesman said. Derek Shore reports.

Law enforcement officials arrested three people and confiscated more than 2,500 pounds of illegal fireworks Thursday afternoon in Pittsburg, a Contra Costa County Fire Protection District spokesman said.

Jose Francisco Hernandez, 22, of Richmond; Ivan Medina, 26, of Oakley; and Luis Amado Medina, 30, of Indiana, were arrested on suspicion on advertising and sale of fireworks without a license, transporting fireworks without registration, storing fireworks without a permit, possession of more than 100 pounds of dangerous fireworks and possession of

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dangerous fireworks without a permit.

Where to Buy Safe and Sane Fireworks in the Bay Area

Capt. Robert Marshall said Contra Costa fire investigators and Pittsburg police conducted an undercover sting after investigators saw an advertisement for fireworks for sale on Craigslist.

Marshall said investigators conducted an undercover buy that led to the arrests.

The value of the confiscated fireworks is still being determined, but Marshall said it will be in the tens of thousands of dollars.

"We were surprised by the amount of fireworks that this was," Marshall said.

Marshall said the sale of illegal fireworks is common, especially so close to the July 4 holiday.

"We're really concerned, particularly with the current drought we are in," he said, adding the fire danger this year is more than officials have seen in quite some time.

Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Barrier Approved

With arrests made and more than a ton of illegal fireworks seized, Marshall sees the undercover operation helping in efforts to prevent fires during the Fourth of July weekend.

"We're hoping that we put a dent into it," he said. "We're hoping that we averted a disaster in somebody's neighborhood."

Meanwhile, some Bay Area residents plan to avoid all fireworks, even those deemed safe.

"There's still a risk," said Rodney Washington, who is concerned about fire danger. "I mean anything that is going to pop or spark, or anything of that nature, it's not good."

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http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-illegal-fireworks-seized-la-20140627-story.html

More than 1,000 pounds of illegal fireworks seized in L.A.

Los Angeles City Atty. Mike Feuer displays illegal fireworks seized as part of an ongoing city campaign Friday. (Matt Hansen / Los Angeles Times)

MATT HANSEN

Laws and Legislation Crime Mike Feuer

City Atty. Mike Feuer announces crackdown on illegal fireworks sales in Los Angeles

More than 1,000 pounds of illegal fireworks seized in L.A. ahead of July 4 holiday, officials announce

Los Angeles City Atty. Mike Feuer said Friday that authorities had confiscated more than 1,000 pounds of fireworks, leading to criminal cases being filed ahead of the July 4 weekend.

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The crackdown on the illegal sale and possession of fireworks in Los Angeles took place over the course of three inspections carried out by multiple city agencies, he said. All fireworks are illegal in Los Angeles, but their use account for an annual influx of hospital visits, officials said.

Even so-called safe and sane fireworks are explosives and can be seriously damaging to the body.- James Featherstone, interim Los Angeles fire chief

“The reason we are teaming up is that kids, 5 to 9, and teenagers are showing up in emergency rooms because fireworks are being sold in the jurisdiction of the city of Los Angeles and it’s against the law,” Feuer said at a news conference.

The crackdown is the first that involves multiple city agencies in an effort to directly target fireworks sales, he said.

Those accused of selling fireworks include Minh Nhut Lieu, 42, who allegedly stored more than 580 pounds of fireworks in his Los Angeles store New Great Wall, and Antelmo Garcia-Gurrero, 46, and Gregorio Del Carmen Lopez, 41, who face charges for possession and sale of fireworks.

Officials emphasized that even purchasing fireworks legally outside Los Angeles and transporting them into the city is illegal.

In addition to injuries and hospitalizations, fireworks are also considered a fire hazard and an explosive, said interim Los Angeles Fire Chief James Featherstone.

“Even so-called safe and sane fireworks are explosives and can be seriously damaging to the body,” he said.

Los Angeles police Det. Paul Robi of the city’s bomb squad, which is responsible for the disposal of illegal fireworks, highlighted the risk of improperly storing fireworks and not treating them as a combustion risk. His agency has dealt with exploding garages and, in one case, a house that was nearly leveled from a fireworks explosion, he said.

“If one goes, they are all going to go,” he said. “It’s a tremendous hazard.”

Despite the dangers, the financial incentive sustains an illegal market for fireworks, especially around the July 4 holiday.

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Illegal fireworks merchants can purchase fireworks in neighboring states and sell them in California for "three or five times what they paid for them,” Robi said.

The crackdown will continue, officials said.

Matt Hansen can be reached at matt.hansen@latimes.com or on Twitter @mtthnsn.

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http://www.laweekly.com/informer/2014/06/30/illegal-fireworks-crackdown-in-la-has-chinatown-rattled

Illegal Fireworks Crackdown in L.A. Has Chinatown Rattled Comments   (1)

By Chris Walker Mon, Jun 30, 2014 at 12:19 PM

Quinn Dombrowski / Flickr

City Attorney Mike Feuer announced Friday a crackdown on the sale of fireworks across the city. Since June 20, his office, in conjunction with the Fire Department, Port Police, and Department of Street Services, has filed four criminal cases against shop owners in Chinatown and the Toy District, confiscating 1,000 pounds of fireworks and levying tens of thousands of dollars in fines.

"We will prosecute those in violation to the full extent possible," Feuer warned at the June 27 press conference. "And we still have a week before the Fourth, so I'd urge any seller [of illegal fireworks] to think seriously about stopping."

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Apparently that message has gotten through.

The Weekly checked in at about 30 different shops and stalls (including some we knew from past experience used to carry the contraband). We asked if they had any fireworks we could take a look at - and found no takers. Most shop owners gave a curt "NO!" or "I don't know about any fireworks!" Everyone seemed on edge; one man even shouted to get out of his shop.

Was it because of the crackdown?

One owner, who asked not to be named, said yes, explaining,"The police raided Chinatown last week. The guy's shop across the street got nailed... I don't think you'll find anything."

It's a big change for Chinatown.

Back in the early aughts, when I was in high school in the L.A. suburbs, my friends and I never had to ask at more than five or six Chinatown shops before hitting paydirt. Even though the sale of fireworks has been illegal in Los Angeles since 1942, it never seemed to deter enterprising shop owners from dishing the goods.

"Excuse me," we'd say. "Do you sell... [lowered voice] ...fireworks?"

The shop owners would study us for a moment and look with suspicious eyes before leading us to the secret stash. There didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to which places gave up the goods. In Chinatown Plaza and Dynasty Pavilion, we once visited a baby clothes store, a luggage shop, and a sword emporium. In the luggage shop, the store attendant pulled down a suitcase from one of the top racks. When she opened it, it was filled to the brim with roman candles, m80's, and firecrackers. In the baby clothes shop, the owner actually produced a laminated catalog from underneath her desk that contained ten pages of photographed fireworks, ranging from sparklers and bottle rockets to those two-minute fireworks-show-in-a-box deals with names like 'Midnight Sunburn.' It felt like ordering from the tourist's menu in a foreign restaurant. We pointed to a few pictures, and the attendant emerged five minutes later from a backroom with our selections in a black plastic bag.

The crackdown doesn't bode well for the revenue stream in Chinatown, where markups on firework prices were 200 to 300 percent, according to Interim Los Angeles Fire

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Chief James Featherstone.

The city attorney and police officials declined to comment on how the sweeps are being conducted, or under what conditions law enforcement officials are filing for warrants, citing potential obstruction of the ongoing investigation. They confirmed only that they act on tips; Feuer has since established a hotline in case more people want to report unsanctioned fireworks sellers, and hinted at more sweeps in the coming weeks.

And so the shop owners are laying low. As one warned, "It's to the point where there might not even be firecrackers for Chinese New Years."

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http://www.sbsun.com/lifestyle/20140701/nearly-10-tons-of-illegal-fireworks-confiscated-in-san-bernardino-by-fire-officials

Nearly 10 tons of illegal fireworks confiscated in San Bernardino by fire officials

An arson task force working the Interstate 15 corridor near Yermo confiscated nearly 10 tons of fireworks coming from Nevada in the past two weeks. (Courtesy photo)

By Doug Saunders, The Sun

Posted: 07/01/14, 10:40 AM PDT |

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Over the last two weeks fire officials, working with state agents, seized approximately 10 tons of illegal fireworks coming into California along the Interstate 15 corridor.

San Bernardino County Fire Department fire marshals conducted a two weekend fireworks interdiction at the state agricultural check border station in Yermo, just east of Barstow, officials said.

Along with the fire marshals, representatives from San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Cal Fire and the San Bernardino County Arson Task Force which includes personnel from Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto and Ontario fire departments, participated in the bust.

Three people were arrested and 101 citations were issued totaling $126,250 in fines, officials added.

Fire officials continue their efforts to provide safety for the residents of San Bernardino County and will be out in force during the July 4th holiday.

“We encourage everyone to participate in public display shows or to only use safe and sane fireworks in the areas allowed and to report any illegal activity to 9-1-1,” county Fire Marshal Mike Horton said in a written statement.

Residents can go to www.sbcfire.org for a list of firework shows throughout San Bernardino County as well as fireworks safety and a downloadable brochure.

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http://www.sfexaminer.com/sanfrancisco/man-juvenile-busted-selling-illegal-fireworks-in-chinatown/Content?oid=2839618

Man, juvenile busted selling illegal fireworks in Chinatown By Rob Nagle @SFEX_RobNagle

These two won’t be celebrating their independence this Fourth of July.

A young man and a boy were arrested on suspicion of selling illegal fireworks in Chinatown on Monday night, Sgt. Danielle Newman said.

The 18-year-old suspect, identified by police as San Francisco resident Eric Au Yeung, and his 15-year-old partner were reportedly selling illegal fireworks on the street in the 900 block of Grant Avenue just after 8 p.m., Newman said.

Undercover officers from Central Police Station who were observing the sales activity approached the suspects and bought some the alleged contraband.

The two were then taken into custody.

The police bomb squad was called to the scene and took control of the explosives.

Yeung was booked on six felony counts, including three counts of sale or transport of a destructive device, conspiracy, child endangerment and committing a crime while out on bail. The 15-year-old was booked on four felony counts.

Both remain in custody.

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Central Station conducts enforcement activities like this every year leading up to the Fourth of July, Newman said.

http://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/news/article_b249c936-013b-11e4-a635-0019bb2963f4.html

About 10 tons of illegal fireworks confiscated

About 10 tons of illegal fireworks confiscated

These are some of the illegal fireworks confiscated by San Bernardino County authorities.  (Contributed photo by San Bernardino County Fire)

Posted: Tuesday, July 1, 2014 9:21 am | Updated: 2:36 pm, Tue Jul 1, 2014.

About 10 tons of illegal fireworks were confiscated recently in San Bernardino County, authorities said.

Investigators with the San Bernardino County Fire Department, Office of the Fire Marshal conducted a two-weekend fireworks interdiction at the California State Agricultural Check Station along the Interstate 15 corridor on June 20-22 and June 27-29.

Officials said 101 administrative citations were written by San Bernardino County Fire, totaling $126,250 in fines. Five individuals were detained and three arrests were made by Cal Fire. A total of 19,880 pounds of illegal fireworks were confiscated.

Fire Marshal Mike Horton said San Bernardino County Fire will continue its efforts to provide safety for local residents, with investigators and fire prevention staff out in force during the July 4 holiday.

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Horton encouraged everyone to "participate in public display shows or to only use 'Safe and Sane' fireworks in the areas allowed and to report any illegal activity to 9-1-1."

"Safe and Sane" fireworks are permitted within the city limits of Fontana, but no fireworks are allowed in the unincorporated county areas.

The City of Fontana's fireworks celebration, featuring musical performances by Malo and Tierra, will take place on July 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Fontana High School. Tickets are still available for $4 apiece (all ages) and can be purchased at the Fontana Community Services Department, 16860 Valencia Avenue, until noon on July 4. No tickets will be available at the gate.

Interested persons can visit www.sbcfire.org for a complete list of firework shows throughout San Bernardino County as well as fireworks safety and a downloadable brochure (under safety preparedness).

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http://m.ktvu.com/news/news/crime-law/sfpd-steps-efforts-take-down-illegal-fireworks/ngXg3/

Crime & LawPosted: 7:54 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2014

SFPD steps up effort to take down illegal firework operations

Illegal Fireworks

By David Stevenson

KTVU.com

SAN FRANCISCO —

With the Fourth of July just a few days away, Bay Area fire and police departments are on the hunt for illegal fireworks.

On Monday, undercover San Francisco police officers made a big bust in the city's Chinatown neighborhood.

"We had undercover officers out looking for sellers of fireworks and we happened upon a person who was selling fireworks and we were able to negotiate what we wanted," San Francisco Police Department Captain David Lazar told KTVU. 

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Investigators say these weren't just "safe and sane" fireworks, which are legal in some Bay Area counties but not in San Francisco. Lazar said officers confiscated a number of what he called "destructive devices," on sale for about $10 each.

"Whether it's called an M-1000 or an M-80, it's a small destructive device," said Lazar. "You could lose a hand, you could lose an arm. It's very dangerous."

Prosecutors are charging 18 year-old Eric Au Yeung with felony possession of explosives and child endangerment. Police say he used a 15 year-old boy as a "runner" to retrieve the explosives from a storage place in a cafe on the 900 block of Grant Street.

Ending the sales is challenging police and fire officials. On Tuesday, one colorful souvenir store on Grant Street was openly displaying "safe and sane" fireworks on a shelf outside its doorway. Lazar said police will be doing educational outreach to vendors about what's illegal here, along with stepping up enforcement over the next few days.

"We're not only going to have uniformed but undercover officers out here between now and the 4th of July," said Lazar. "So Chinatown is not the place to come to buy fireworks."

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http://m.sfexaminer.com/sanfrancisco/man-accused-of-selling-illegal-fireworks-in-chinatown-pleads-not-guilty/Content?oid=2841124

Man accused of selling illegal fireworks in Chinatown pleads not guiltyby Rob Nagle @SFEX_RobNagle | July 02, 2014

The man arrested by undercover cops for allegedly selling illegal fireworks pleaded not guilty to the charges Wednesday, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Eric Au Yeung, 18, of San Francisco is charged with felony sale or transport of explosives and felony child endangerment, Assistant District Attorney Alex Bastian said.

Yeung and a 15-year-old male accomplice were allegedly caught selling illegal fireworks Monday in the 900 block of Grant Avenue in Chinatown, according to police.

The teenager's case will go through the juvenile justice system.

Yeung was charged by the District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday and he was in court Wednesday for arraignment; he pleaded not guilty.

He is currently in custody on $25,000 bail, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

Yeung is expected to return to court July 16, Bastian said.

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http://www.midvalleynews.com/news/2014/07/02/el-monte-and-la-county-fire-confiscate-46-tons-of-illegal-fireworks-educates-public-about-firework-danger/

El Monte and LA County Fire Confiscate 46 Tons of Illegal Fireworks; Educates Public about Firework Danger , by Chelsea Dickerson July 2, 2014 • 290 viewsEl Monte The El Monte Police Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department are working together to emphasize the need for fireworks safety and to discuss enforcement efforts to discourage the use of illegal fireworks this Fourth of July. Officials from the City of El Monte, the City’s Police Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department issued a stern warning that individuals caught using illegal fireworks could face a $1,000 fine. The agencies also displayed a portion of the more than 46 tons of confiscated illegal fireworks and provided a demonstration of their combustibility by setting off some of the contraband.

“This year we are continuing to work together in an effort to find real solutions to dealing with illegal fireworks within our City and I’m already proud of the results to get dangerous fireworks off our streets,” said El Monte Mayor Pro Tem Bart Patel, who Chairs the City’s special fireworks task force. “While we want all of our residents and community members to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday, we also want make sure that they are acting with safety in mind. We will be out in full force to make sure we are doing what we can to prevent dangerous activities this Independence Day.”

As of June 24, 2014, the El Monte Police Department has confiscated more than 46 tons of illegal fireworks during 25 sting operations in several area cities, resulting in 41 felony arrests.

Over the past few years, there has been overwhelming resident concern over the use of illegal fireworks, which has led to serious injuries, property fires and an overburdened El Monte Police Department. Last year, the Department issued 79 citations and has so far collected $32,800 in fines.

Thanks to the ordinance passed by the El Monte City Council in 2013, those caught using illegal fireworks will face a $1,000 fine, which the Police Department has conveyed through several public outreach and education efforts.

“It is a priority for our City Council to find solutions to address dangerous fireworks in our community and our City continues to be a regional leader on this issue,” continued Mayor Pro Tem Patel. “I would like to thank the business and community leaders, including members of our Police and Fire departments, who have worked tirelessly to better our policies and procedures as part of the Fireworks Committee.”

Those efforts include a public service announcement and an anonymous fireworks phone line. In addition, school assemblies were conducted, street banners were placed on busy intersections and more than 20,000 fliers were distributed to residents.

“If you use or possess illegal fireworks, you will receive a citation for $1,000,” El Monte Police Chief Steve Schuster said. “This is a zero-tolerance program and no warnings will be given. Safety is our utmost priority.”

Plans for enforcement include 33 extra police officers and supervisors on patrol who will be dedicated solely for the purpose of issuing citations and making arrests on July 4, from 2 p.m. to midnight. Arrests will be made for felony offenses (possession of 100 pounds or more of illegal fireworks and other dangers explosives/devices).

Should offenders not pay their citations, the citations will be turned over to a collection agency and offenders will potentially face a lien being placed on their property taxes and the City will receive payment at that time.

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Only fireworks marked “Safe and Sane” are legal and can only be used on July 3 and July 4 between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.

According to the United States Fire Administration, in 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated approximately 8,600 people for firework-related injuries, with the majority of the injuries occurring around the weeks surrounding the Fourth of July.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby praised El Monte’s efforts to stem the use of illegal combustibles and educate the public on the dangers they pose to residents.

“Keeping citizens out of harm’s way is our mission and our hope is that everyone’s cooperation will make this a fun and safe Fourth of July,” Osby said.

Anybody currently in possession of fireworks can turn them in, no questions asked, at any local fire station. Any illegal fireworks can be reported to the El Monte Police Department at (626) 580-2100.

PSA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xez_I2uTjgM –

See more at: http://www.midvalleynews.com/news/2014/07/02/el-monte-and-la-county-fire-confiscate-46-tons-of-illegal-fireworks-educates-public-about-firework-danger/#sthash.EccwMQy2.dpuf

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http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-fireworks-crackdown-la-20140703-story.html

L.A. fireworks crackdown continues with 1-ton bust; seven charged

Officials are cracking down hard on illegal pyrotechnics, warning the public that if they're caught even possessing a banned firework, they can go to jail and face thousands of dollars in fines.

JOSEPH SERNA, MATT HANSEN contact the reporter

Crime Los Angeles Fire Department Mike Feuer

L.A. authorities charge 11, seize more than 2,000 pounds of fireworks ahead of July 4 holiday

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Authorities in Los Angeles have confiscated a ton of illegal fireworks, leading to criminal charges being filed against seven vendors, the latest in a regional crackdown ahead of Friday's July 4 celebrations, the city attorney’s office announced Thursday.

In conjunction with the Los Angeles Fire Department, police at the Port of L.A. and street services, authorities have been inspecting shipments and Los Angeles businesses where the fireworks are allegedly discreetly sold.

On June 27, City Atty. Mike Feuer announced criminal cases were filed against three people for storing or selling some 1,000 pounds of fireworks. The pryotechnic displays are illegal in Los Angeles and can’t be brought in from outside the city.

Feuer announced Thursday that seven more people were charged and hundreds of more fireworks were confiscated.

Many of the fireworks are illegal and not considered “safe and sane,” but even models that are legal in other cities can pose a safety hazard, authorities said.

“Illegal fireworks pose a significant fire danger and a serious safety risk, especially to kids,” Feuer said in a statement.

The defendants named in the latest bust were: Ester Chin, 61; Eileen Soo Hoo, 79; Pik Fan Lam, 54; Jose Guadalupe Avalos, 25; Juan-Jose Alvarado, 31; Moises Benitez-De La Cruz, 30; and Javier Gonzales Ortiz, 25.

Combined, the group was charged with nearly 40 offenses with penalties ranging between six months and a year in jail and thousands of dollars in fines.

Los Angeles police Det. Paul Robi of the city’s bomb squad, which is responsible for the disposal of illegal fireworks, highlighted the risk of improperly storing fireworks and not treating them as a combustion risk at a June 27 press conference announcing the crackdown. His agency has dealt with exploding garages and, in one case, a house that was nearly leveled from a fireworks explosion, he said.

“If one goes, they are all going to go,” he said. “It’s a tremendous hazard.”

Despite the dangers, the financial incentive sustains an illegal market for fireworks, especially around the July 4 holiday.

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Illegal fireworks merchants can purchase fireworks in neighboring states and sell them in California for "three or five times what they paid for them,” Robi said.

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna

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