Mesa police seize illegal fireworks and allow anonymous reports

MESA, Arizona – Fireworks and Independence Day go hand in hand.

However, illegal fireworks are still a problem throughout the state during the holidays, and East Valley Police are cracking down on it.

Recently, Mesa police announced that over 2,000 boxes of illegal fireworks were seized at a facility in Chandler. According to Detective Brandi Myers, the estimated value of all the fireworks is about $1 million.

“We rarely see this much fireworks,” Myers said.

The raid took place last week. Myers said officers became aware of it while checking fireworks tents to investigate possible illegal sales.

Officers obtained a search warrant and found 95 pallets of fireworks.

“It took four semi-trailer loads to remove the fireworks from that site,” she said.

Charges have been filed against the alleged operator of the fireworks store where the seizure occurred, while the investigation is ongoing.

Types of fireworks banned in Mesa and the rest of the state include:

• Sky rockets or bottle rockets
• Fireworks
• Rechargeable grenade devices such as Roman candles
• Antennas
• Single-pipe device
• Sky lanterns

Basically anything that gets thrown into the sky and explodes.

Sparklers, fountains and smoke bombs are allowed.

This incident is not the only fireworks raid Mesa has seen. Myers said four people have been arrested so far this summer for possession or sale of illegal fireworks.

In one case, the 18-year-old suspect allegedly told investigators he planned to sell his stash for $1,000.

Myers also said police will increase enforcement on July 4 this year. She said at least 30 officers will be assigned to fireworks-related calls.

There is also a new program that allows people to report these illegal situations anonymously.

Between July 1 and July 6, a citizen who witnesses illegal fireworks activity can file an anonymous report on the City of Mesa website. A complaint can be filed by clicking on the “Residents” tab, then going to “Police,” then clicking on “Report Fireworks,” where visitors can submit a request.

“You can upload photos and videos and our officers receive that information in real time and are dispatched to the area to investigate,” Myers said.

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