Sheriff’s deputies seized between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds of illegal fireworks in East Los Angeles and arrested two men on suspicion of possession of illegal explosives and possession of illegal fireworks without a permit.
The fireworks were seized about 11:30 p.m. Thursday at a home in the 5200 block of Repetto Street, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Andrew Cruz.
The seizure operation began when patrolling deputies spotted 46-year-old Joseph Valencia allegedly selling fireworks to another man from his parked car. Deputies stopped Valencia and discovered he lived a doors away from where he was selling the fireworks on Repetto Street, Cruz said.
A search of Valencia’s residence uncovered between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds of illegal fireworks and explosives such as M-80s, Cruz said.
The fireworks were removed from the house and turned over to the sheriff’s Arson and Explosives detail for disposal.
In addition to Valencia, deputies arrested 44-year-old Daniel Guerrero for alleged possession of explosives and illegal fireworks.
Anyone with information on Valencia, Guerrero or illegal fireworks in East Los Angeles was asked to call the East L.A. sheriff’s station at (323) 264- 4151. All tips can be made anonymously.
— City News Service
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