Crime & Safety
10,000 Pounds Of Illegal Fireworks Seized In LA County Gang Probe: Police
Four people were arrested as part of the seizure, officials said.
PASADENA, CA —Authorities in Pasadena seized around 10,000 pounds of illegal fireworks, including improvised explosive devices, after investigators served a search warrant at a Los Angeles property tied to a suspected gang-run fireworks operation, according to police.
The warrant was served Friday at 6316 Whittier Blvd. by the Pasadena Police Department’s Street Crime Unit and the Pasadena Fire Department’s Arson Investigation Team, city officials said.
Investigators found illegal explosive fireworks that were being stored at the location and intended for distribution in Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley cities, officials said.
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The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department bomb squad responded after homemade explosive devices were found during the search, according to the city.
In all, investigators seized about 10,000 pounds of illegal fireworks, a large amount of marijuana products, an unregistered firearm with high-capacity magazines and documents that appeared to show sales of illegal fireworks, officials said.
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The fireworks had an estimated resale value of more than $120,000, according to city officials.
Four people were arrested in connection with the investigation. Additional arrests could follow, Pasadena officials said at a Tuesday news conference.
Officials said the seizure was believed to be the largest fireworks seizure ever in the Pasadena area. Photos released by officials show the seized fireworks, along with the gun and magazines.
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo said the operation removed a major threat from circulation, particularly in communities vulnerable to wildfire.
“This was a very coordinated effort,” Gordo said. “It removed lots of fireworks that could be harmful to not just individuals but communities given the experiences we’ve had in the past with fires.”
The investigation is ongoing and is believed to be tied to a criminal street gang enterprise that smuggles fireworks from Nevada, officials said.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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