OAKLAND, Calif., July 4 (UPI) -- A routine traffic stop by police in Oakland, Calif., has led to the discovery of 550 pounds of fireworks in a suspected illegal sales ring.
James A. Albert, 26, was arrested after police found 150 pounds of illegal fireworks in his car, another 400 pounds were later found at his home, The Oakland Tribune said Wednesday.
While searching Albert's home Hayward Tuesday, police also said they found more than $5,000 that may have been profits from sales of illegal fireworks.
Police said Albert was charged not only with possession of illegal fireworks, but with owning illegal explosives -- given the significant power of some of the seized items.
"They might have exploded, causing physical harm and possible fires in a neighborhood," said police Sgt. Barry Donelan. "That's why they're illegal."
Two other people were arrested when police searched Albert's home, but they had not been charged yet, the newspaper said.
