The fireworks and cash were connected to illegal fireworks sales that took place in Millbrae by two suspects operating out of residences in San Francisco and San Jose. They also operated a large warehouse in Oakland.
The suspects are Sam San, 61, of San Francisco, and a 54-year-old San Jose woman.
According to the Sheriff's Office, detectives from its Crime Suppression Unit have been investigating the case since May.
Following the investigation, detectives executed several search warrants last week in San Mateo, San Francisco, Alameda and Santa Clara counties. They found the bulk of the fireworks at the warehouse in Oakland and some in San Jose. The cash was found at the San Francisco residence.
The San Francisco Police Department, San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad, San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force and the San Mateo County Air Squadron also helped the investigation.
One of the suspects, San, was booked into San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of the sale and possession of fireworks, which could result in jail time.
The second suspect has not yet been charged and is not in custody. Detectives are working with the District Attorney's Office to execute additional search warrants.
Illegal fireworks have long been a problem in San Mateo County. Given the increased risk of wildfires this year, the Sheriff's Office along with the county's Board of Supervisors have prioritized cracking down on illegal fireworks.
It is illegal to have or sell all fireworks in unincorporated areas of San Mateo County and in Sheriff's Office contract cities and towns, which include Half Moon Bay, Woodside, Portola Valley, Millbrae and San Carlos.
Individual cities and jurisdictions may have their own fireworks laws.
Earlier in June, the Menlo Park City Council enacted an urgency ordinance that makes anyone caught detonating fireworks subject to fines of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.
To report illegal fireworks, people can call the Sheriff's Office's non-emergency line at (650) 363-4911.
Sheriff's Office seizes 15 pounds of explosives
Authorities seized about 15 pounds of illegal explosives and materials used to make firecrackers following a search of two San Mateo County locations last week.
Last month, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office identified two suspects involved in making and distributing explosive devices. The suspects are 43-year-old Burlingame resident Raymond Chan and 47-year-old Daly City resident Jeffrey Bernaldez.
Detectives found the explosives and materials at two homes, located in Millbrae and unincorporated Burlingame. The materials, seized on June 25, were intended to make firecrackers, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Chan and Bernaldez were arrested on suspicion of offenses related to the possession of explosives and possession of methamphetamine, which detectives found during the arrests.
Chan and Bernaldez were booked into San Mateo County Jail. The Sheriff's Office Bomb Unit is investigating the possibility of pursuing additional criminal charges related to manufacturing explosives, which would be added to the possession charges.
The charges are different from charges related to possessing illegal fireworks. However, the Sheriff's Office is working to prevent the use and sale of illegal fireworks ahead of the July Fourth holiday.
It is illegal to have or sell all fireworks in unincorporated areas of San Mateo County and in Sheriff's Office-contract cities and towns, which include Half Moon Bay, Woodside, Portola Valley, Millbrae and San Carlos.
Individual cities and jurisdictions may have their own laws concerning fireworks.
—Bay City News Service
This story contains 595 words.
Stories older than 90 days are available only to subscribing members. Please help sustain quality local journalism by becoming a subscribing member today.
If you are already a subscriber, please log in so you can continue to enjoy unlimited access to stories and archives. Subscriptions start at $5 per month and may be cancelled at any time.
