Three people were arrested on suspicion of selling illegal fireworks in Westminster, authorities said Friday.
Leading up to the holiday, a series of undercover operations were conducted in which police purchased fireworks from three subjects, according to the Westminster Police Department.
Santa Ana residents Andrew Lopez, 19, and David Tran, 40, along with Davis Cabrera, 44, of Stanton, were arrested on suspicion of possession of and illegal sales of unpermitted fireworks, the department reported.
The suspects were given misdemeanor citations for sales of illegal fireworks, possession of illegal fireworks and possession of dangerous fireworks, according to police.
Police seized the following:
— Approximately 235 cannister artillery/explosive firework shells;
— Four party packs of illegal fireworks, each containing more than 20 different fireworks;
— 85 shots of aerial firework displays;
— Approximately 40 roman candles;
— 60 shots of cake-style fireworks.
“The surge of illegal fireworks continues to be a widespread problem this time of year, especially with the use of online platforms to carry out the illicit activity. We hope the seizure of the approximately 500 items detectives made helps get the word out to those involved in the illegal sales of fireworks. It has also proven difficult to cite offenders unless officers catch them in the act of lighting fireworks, so we will continue with future undercover operations to help stem the flow,” Westminster Deputy Chief Knauerhaze said.