Overview
- The multi‑agency investigation removed more than 17,000 pounds of illegal fireworks, officials said Friday, after state licensing and fire regulators worked with the Detroit Bomb Squad and Garden City police and fire units.
- About 12,000 pounds were described as overloaded, re‑wrapped devices falsely labeled as 1.4G consumer fireworks while roughly 5,000 pounds were 1.3G professional display shells that require federal and state permits.
- Bomb‑squad personnel and fire officials secured and removed the materials to prevent a potential catastrophic incident, with images and statements noting some items were as large as 12‑inch aerial shells.
- Industry experts warned that overloaded mortars and 1.3G shells can act like explosive devices capable of causing multiple fatalities and major property damage when handled or stored improperly.
- Officials said the enforcement unit works year‑round to remove illegal pyrotechnics but declined to detail charges or penalties in this case and urged consumers to buy only from licensed retailers and follow state laws.