After seizing more than 75 tons of illegal goods from a Gardena warehouse over the weekend, Gardena police on Tuesday announced what they believe to be the largest seizure of illegal pyrotechnics in recent California history.
According to a statement from the Gardena Police Department, units from the department’s Special Investigations Unit stormed a commercial warehouse on Friday that is situated in the 17000 block of Vermont Avenue. There, they discovered a warehouse crammed full of pyrotechnics.
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Investigators estimate the street value of the seized fireworks to be between $7 million and $10 million.
A 40-foot big rig and five 53-foot trailers were required, according to Lt. Christopher Cuff, to remove the little more than 153 pallets filled with pyrotechnics from the facility. He claimed that although the matter is still being looked into, it appears the fireworks were brought in from China.
“What we’re not talking about is the ‘safe and sane’ fireworks,” Cuff said. In other words, those are fireworks that are acceptable in California. All of the material we were able to retrieve from that facility was explosive.”
Three persons were also taken into custody in relation to the finding. Alejandro Rodriguez, 44, and Daniel Gudino, 25, of Wilmington, and Natalie Navarro, 30, of Carson, were identified as the individuals.
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According to authorities, they were all charged with numerous counts related to weapons violations and explosives possession.
According to police, the 75 tons are more than twice as much as the most amount ever recovered during a bust—roughly 32 tons from a warehouse in South LA in 2021.
It is requested that anyone with more information call (310) 217-6193 to speak with the detectives.