RAFU STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

The Gardena Police Department announced on Wednesday it had made the largest single seizure of illegal fireworks in recent California history, over 75 tons, more than doubling the previous record of 32 tons seized in a South Los Angeles warehouse in 2021.

Special Investigations Unit personnel responded to a commercial warehouse in the 17000 block of Vermont Avenue, near 170th Street, on Friday, where they discovered the fireworks, which have an estimated street value of approximately $7 million to $10 million, Gardena Police Department Lt. David Brock said.

Public Information Officer Lt. Christopher Cuff said that Gardena PD worked in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fire-arms and Explosives, Cal Fire‘s Office of the State Fire Marshal Arson and Bomb Unit, Hawthorne Police Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The fireworks were originally from China and have been taken to a safe location.

Investigators identified the three suspects connected to the illegal fireworks discovery as 44-year-old Alejandro Rodriguez of Wilmington, 30-year-old Natalie Navarro of Car-son, and 25-year-old Daniel Gudino of Wilmington, who were all arrested and booked on suspicion of possession of explosives and other various weapons violation offenses.

The sale and use of Safe and Sane Fireworks is allowed in Gardena on July 4 between noon and 10 p.m., but Cuff stressed that the city has “zero tolerance” for illegal fireworks.

“In the city of Gardena, abide by the law. When you celebrate the Fourth of July, celebrate safely,” Cuff said.

Anyone with information related to the seizure of fireworks was urged to call Gardena Police Department Special Investigation Unit Detective Joe Martinez at (310) 217-6193.

To read more about illegal fireworks in LA, click here: https://rafu.com/2024/01/who-keeps-setting-off-fireworks-in-downtown-la/

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