3,400 pounds of fireworks, IEDs found in SJ undercover busts

(KRON) — Three men were arrested and approximately 3,400 pounds of illegal fireworks and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered during multiple recent undercover operations in San Jose, authorities announced Friday.

San Jose Police Department officers conducting investigations into the illegal sale and possession of commercial-grade fireworks and destructive devices worked undercover, posing as buyers to identify sellers.

On June 16 around 6 p.m., police executed a search warrant at a storage facility in the 200 block of West Capitol Expressway and detained one man, identified as Javier Martinez, 26, of San Jose. A search of an associated storage locker uncovered approximately 1,320 pounds of fireworks and explosives, SJPD said.

One week later, on June 23, another search in a separate illegal fireworks investigation was executed around 11:30 a.m. in the 200 block of San Antonio Court. Officers located approximately 730 pounds of illegal fireworks, SJPD said, after searching a suspect’s vehicle and residence. That suspect, identified as 31-year-old David Benito-Carbajal, was arrested at the scene.

With information gained from the first search on June 23, another search was executed around 6 p.m. at a residence in the 2700 block of Tanglewood Drive, according to authorities. Investigators said they seized approximately 350 pounds of illegal fireworks, including several IEDs, from an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and another 1,000 pounds of illegal fireworks and IEDs stockpiled around the property.

Additionally, according to SJPD, two AR-style rifles and a “substantial quantity” of ammunition were found.

Officers arrested one man who was inside the ADU, identified as 52-year-old Juan Rocha.

All three suspects in the investigations were booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail for the possession, sale and transportation of illegal fireworks and explosives.

“Independence Day doesn’t give anyone the freedom to put others in harm’s way,” San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said in a statement. “I want to thank our Police Department for proactively seizing thousands of pounds of illegal fireworks to help ensure everyone can celebrate safely next week.”

The San Jose Police Department said it is planning to deploy drones to assist in locating where illegal fireworks are being set off. Authorities also warn that property owners may be fined up to $100,000.

​(KRON) — Three men were arrested and approximately 3,400 pounds of illegal fireworks and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered during multiple recent undercover operations in San Jose, authorities announced Friday. San Jose Police Department officers conducting investigations into the illegal sale and possession of commercial-grade fireworks and destructive devices worked undercover, posing as buyers […]