A Compton man is facing charges after Long Beach Police Department officers discovered on Sunday that he was attempting to sell 454 pounds of illegal fireworks.
Directed Enforcement officers from the North Division began working on the investigation on June 22 after following an online advertisement regarding illegal fireworks available for sale in the Long Beach area, police said in a statement.
The investigation led them to the City of Compton, where more than $5,000 worth of illegal fireworks was found in the home of 30-year-old Derek Quinata of Compton.
Quinata was cited and will be required to appear in court, police said.
All fireworks, including those marked as “safe and sane” are illegal in Long Beach, police said, and violators can be faced with a $1,000 fine, sentenced to six months in jail or both.
Those in possession of fireworks can voluntarily dispose of them in collection bins at the Lifeguard Headquarters, located at 2100 E. Ocean Boulevard, and at all police stations.
Anyone with information about people using or selling fireworks is asked to call Long Beach Police Dispatch at 562-435-6711 or 911. Anonymous tips may also be submitted by calling 800-222-TIPS, texting TIPLA plus the tip to CRIMES (274637) or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.