17K Pounds Of Illegal Fireworks, Explosives Seized From Wayne County Home

GARDEN CITY, MI — More than 17,000 pounds of illegal fireworks and explosive materials were seized from a Garden City home, according to officials.

Roughly 12,000 pounds of the materials seized consisted of overloaded explosive devices falsely labeled as 1.4G consumer fireworks, according to officials.

An additional 5,000 pounds were federally regulated 1.3G display fireworks, professional-grade explosive materials that included some as large as 12-inch aerial shells, according to officials.

Officials said these kinds of fireworks require specialized training, licensing, storage and handling under federal law.

The materials pose significant fire risks, serious injury and property damage when possessed or used illegally, officials said.

"These products were never intended for use by the general public," State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes said. "Illegal fireworks and explosive materials can create serious safety hazards when they are improperly possessed, stored, transported or used. Removing these products from circulation helps prevent tragedies before they occur."

The investigation involved the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Detroit Police Department Bomb Squad, Garden City Police Department, and Garden City Fire Department.