Authorities say millions of dollars worth of fireworks were seized during an illegal event in Gardena, one of the largest pyrotechnic operations in state history.
The cache of fireworks was so large – more than 75 tons – that representatives from the state’s Arson and Bomb Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives and the Los Angeles Police Department were called in to help local police handle and dispose of it. . The market value of the fireworks is estimated to be between $7 million and $10 million.
For the record:
June 25, 2024 8:21 pmA previous headline in this article referenced the Los Angeles Police Department. The agency is the Gardena Police Department.
Several people were taken into custody during a raid Friday at a warehouse in the 17000 block of Vermont Avenue.
Alejandro Rodriguez, 44, of Wilmington; Natalie Navarro, 30, of Carson; and Wei, 25, police said. Daniel Gudino, an Elmington resident, was arrested on suspicion of possession of explosives and weapons-related charges.
Some fireworks are up to 8 inches in diameter, about the same size as a bowling ball. More than 2,000 illegal sabotage devices and 10 pounds of bulk homemade explosives were also seized, according to a joint statement from the Gardena Police Department and Cal Fire State Fire Marshal’s Arson and Bomb Division.
No other information about the seizure was provided as the criminal investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Cal Fire Bomb Squad at arsonbomb@fire.ca.gov.
Last year, the Los Angeles Police Department seized 38,000 pounds of illegal fireworks from a warehouse in South Los Angeles.
Two years ago, the Los Angeles Police Department tried to set off hidden fireworks in a South Los Angeles neighborhood, displacing dozens of residents, injuring 17 people and damaging 35 properties.
As the Fourth of July approaches, Cal Fire reminds the public that it is illegal to sell, transport or use fireworks that do not bear the “Safe and Sane” seal. Fireworks cannot be set off in communities where fireworks are prohibited. Depending on the crime, pyrotechnics law violators could face up to a year in prison and fines of up to $50,000 if convicted.
