Thousands of pounds of illegal fireworks found after bust in Porterville

PORTERVILLE, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Two men were arrested after being discovered with thousands of pounds of illegal fireworks in Tulare County, according to the Porterville Police Department.

Officers say on June 21, a search warrant at a business on the 800 block of West Olive Avenue in Porterville revealed 26-year-old Marten Ghanem from Visalia harboring 50 pounds of commercial-grade aerial fireworks. Ghanem was also found in possession of an illegal assault rifle.

The investigation led detectives to the home of 23-year-old Eric Ceballos-Ramos in Woodville, where they reported discovering additional aerial fireworks and a firearm with a large-capacity magazine. Ceballos-Ramos was also found storing 2,200 pounds of illegal fireworks at a residence in Terra Bella.

In total, 2,337 pounds, or approximately $30,000 worth of fireworks, were seized by detectives, officials say.

According to the Porterville Police Department, mortar-style fireworks, roman candles, bottle rockets, and any other fireworks that do not bear the “Safe and Sane” seal are illegal in California. Fines for the sale, possession, or use of such fireworks range from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.