WATSONVILLE — Four days into its fireworks enforcement operation, the Watsonville Police Department seized nearly 1,000 pounds of illegal fireworks as well as an illegal weapon and drugs, resulting in the arrest of a group of individuals, the department wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday.
The department reported that officers learned about a group, that included a teenager, who were suspected of selling fireworks in Watsonville and throughout Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. Watsonville only allows the sale of fireworks with a “Safe and Sane” seal from the California State Fire Marshal from July 1 to 4 with a valid permit, and the enforcement period is already underway.
In addition to fireworks, Watsonville police also uncovered an illegal assault rifle and a kilogram of cocaine. (Contributed – Watsonville Police Department)
The investigation led officers to a home in Hollister, where they uncovered the fireworks as well as an unlawful assault rifle and a kilogram of cocaine.
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Michelle Pulido, spokesperson for the Watsonville Police Department, said the investigation is ongoing and will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office to determine the charges. Since it is an investigation that spans three counties, she said each individual’s case may be handled by a different district attorney’s office.
Due to the ongoing investigation, Pulido could not confirm the exact number of people involved in the sale and possession of the confiscated items, and said the department would not be releasing the suspects’ names, ages and cities of residence at this time.
The department will be sending out more information regarding illegal fireworks enforcement. “Safe and Sane” fireworks can be purchased from permitted vendors starting at 9 a.m. July 1 through 10 p.m. July 4.
“If residents want to celebrate Fourth of July, we ask that they do so responsibly,” said Pulido. “They can purchase fireworks starting July 1 at our city-sanctioned booths across town.”
However, permitted fireworks are only allowed to be ignited within Watsonville’s city limits from July 1 through midnight July 5, and they can only be lit by people 18 or older. The fire department will issue citations of up to $1,000 per violation, and property owners as well as tenants may also be cited. The police department will also deploy drones, so citations may be issued even without officers on site.
People who witness illegal firework use can report tips anonymously through the Watsonville Police Department’s mobile application or by calling 831-471-1151.
For information on firework safety tips and what constitutes illegal fireworks, go to Watsonville.gov.