LCPD: Estimated $2,000 in illegal…

Law enforcement in Las Cruces were busy during the days leading up to the fourth of July, as they pushed to confiscate illegal fireworks and respond to firework related calls throughout the city.

From June 20th through July 6th, Las Cruces fire, police, and code enforcement confiscated an estimated $2,000 worth of illegal fireworks and responded to 156 calls.

Vendors were allowed to sell their products during this time period.

Of the estimated $2,000 worth of illegal fireworks confiscated, several varieties were deemed illegal for use or possession within city limits. These fireworks include aerial spinners, helicopters, mines, missile-type rockets, Roman candle, shells, stick-type rockets, chasers and firecrackers.

According to police, a total of five brush fires, two dumpster fires, and two tree fires that may have been attributed to the use of fireworks took place during the period between July 1st through 4th. A total of 129 fireworks-related calls or complaints were received during this period. No major injuries were reported.

In comparison to 2017, an estimated $5,000 in illegal fireworks were confiscated and 255 fireworks-related calls were responded to.

Illegal fireworks confiscated by law enforcement will be turned over for destruction by the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad.

KVIA 2018