It’s what’s called an explosive seizure: Californian police announced Wednesday that they had intercepted a huge shipment of illegal fireworks, with a total of 75 tons of pyrotechnic products worth up to $10 million.
A few days before the American national holiday of July 4, police officers in Gardena, near Los Angeles, raided a warehouse where the contraband merchandise was stored.
Inside, some fireworks measured up to 20 centimeters in diameter, authorities said.
“This investigation is a critical part of our overall fireworks response plan,” Gardena Police Department spokesman Christopher Cuff said at a news conference.
Three suspects were arrested in connection with the trafficking.
Fireworks are a staple of July 4 festivities, which commemorate the United States’ declaration of independence from former colonial power Britain, ratified by Congress in 1776.
On this occasion, many individuals set off fireworks in their gardens. Some Americans also use these pyrotechnic products on beaches, sometimes throughout the summer, which causes noise pollution.
In recent years, authorities have tried to curb the phenomenon by encouraging people to participate in organized events, where there are fewer accidents and the risk of starting a forest fire is lower.
The Gardena police have a specific plan, designed to “improve the quality of life of residents (…) particularly the elderly, veterans and pets,” said Mr. Cuff.
