By Ian Firstenberg
(SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif.) Authorities seized roughly 15,000 pounds of illegal fireworks and $1 million cash early last week, San Mateo County officials announced Friday.
Jennifer Nguyen, 54, of San Jose and Sam San, 61, of San Francisco were arrested during a two-day execution of search warrants on Wednesday and Thursday, according to Sgt. Mike Leishman.
Nguyen and San allegedly sold and possessed large quantities of illegal fireworks. They are alleged to have been in possession of and selling dangerous fireworks in excess of 100 pounds, possession of dangerous fireworks in excess of more than 5,000 pounds and possession of an explosive device.
Formal charges have not yet been filed by the San Mateo County Sheriff's office.
While detectives also served warrants in Santa Clara, Alameda and San Francisco counties, Leishman was unable to provide additional details about those actions.
According to Leishman, the arrests were part of a broad investigation in the Crime Suppression Unit of the sheriff's office. Nguyen and San were reportedly linked to a network of illegal fireworks distributors throughout the Bay Area.
Leishman indicated that surveillance by the detectives identified two additional residences and an Oakland warehouse as part of the operation.
This comes after Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) made a series of arrests for illegal fireworks possession and distribution last week.
In that instance a number of Con Fire officials went undercover to pinpoint the suspects.
All fireworks are illegal in San Mateo County despite some smaller fireworks being sold in neighboring Pacifica and San Bruno. Fines of up to $1,000 can be issued for using fireworks or hosting an event where fireworks are used.
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