(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) and Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) said detectives from both agencies recently carried out a joint operation that seized thousands of pounds of fireworks.
PPD said detectives purchased illegal and dangerous fireworks from underground sellers operating in various residential areas throughout the community and seized more than 2,204 pounds, or over a ton of illegal fireworks. Detectives also discovered that “homemade fireworks” were being made and sold at one of the operations, which was located inside a suburban home.
Among the fireworks seized, police said a total of 29 bags containing hundreds of M-Type devices were confiscated. Police said bomb experts confirmed that the M-Type devices, which are federally illegal, were filled with explosive powders sensitive to heat, shock, and friction. According to police, if the suspected flash powder was not stored or handled correctly, there was a high risk of accidental explosions, posing a serious danger to the public.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at a second location and found several boxes of various-sized legal consumer products. PPD said it is suspected that the manufacturing of devices was taking place at the second location. The quantity of items seized required three shipping containers for secure transport.
“ATF actively regulates and investigates the illegal use of explosives as part of its core mission to protect the public from violent crime,” PPD said. “Illegal explosives are often made by manufacturers without a legal license to operate, then sold without a legal permit. Under federal explosives law, it is illegal to manufacture, store, distribute, receive or transport explosive materials without a federal explosives license or permit (FEL/FEP).”
PPD advised that if you encounter suspicious explosive devices that meet any of the above criteria, you should contact the ATF tip line at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). You can see and learn more about ATF’s role in investigating illegal explosive devices, including the M-Type devices on the ATF’s website.
PPD said in Colorado, the sale or use of illegal fireworks is classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of $50 to $750 and/or up to six months in jail. Violators can also have their fireworks taken. Convictions for setting fires and reckless conduct may lead to jail time of up to 12 years and fines up to $750,000.
Law enforcement’s investigation is ongoing regarding potential criminal charges.
