It's that time of year again when Southern California authorities have to remind people about the dangers of fireworks.
With the Fourth of July approaching, authorities in Long Beach are citing and arresting people for illegal possession and sales of fireworks. Even those marked 'Safe and Sane' are considered illegal in Long Beach.
In one investigation, officers served a warrant on Monday at a home where fireworks were allegedly being sold from a garage. More than 5,000 pounds of fireworks valued at 30,000 as well as cash and PCP were seized by police. Four children found living at the residence were turned over to the Department of Children and Family Services.
In a statement released by the Long Beach Police Department, Police Chief Robert Luna said that, “The community needs to understand that when they purchase fireworks from unauthorized sources such as this, they are essentially putting money in to the pockets of street gangs and supporting their illicit activities.”
During last year's Fourth of July celebrations, a 17-year-old young man lost part of his hand after an accident involving the use of illegal fireworks.
Police seized more than $45,000 in cash, two handguns, ammunition and significant amounts of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and PCP in addition to the illegal fireworks.