Operation Dragon Slayer makes explosive discovery - KUAM.com-KUAM News: On Air. Online. On Demand.

by Nick Delgado

Guam - The Guam Fire Department made a huge bust in illegal fireworks being sold at a local wholesale warehouse in Harmon today. It's all part of the department's ongoing Operation Dragon Slayer.

Operation Dragon Slayer has proven effective since its inception three days ago.  Today an estimated 200 pounds of illegal explosives were confiscated from two markets in Yigo.  Those busts led authorities to what they believe is the source of the illegal fireworks - the Poly Ocean Trading Import and Wholesale Warehouse in Harmon.

The wholesale rep denied any relation to the company and the sale of illegal fireworks., proclaiming, "This is legal!"

Inspectors from GFD's Prevention Bureau found firecrackers, bomb crackers, and sparklers inside a white delivery truck parked in the alley. GFD Fire Prevention Bureau Captain Gerard Terlaje says they believe at least 20 stores purchase the fireworks from Poly Ocean, telling KUAM News, "We came across a couple of retail stores and with the assistance of the retail stores we were able to track down the wholesale point this afternoon we approached the wholesale and made out observations and observed the same illegal fireworks."

The Fire Department says any fireworks that are not authorized by the Government of Guam are illegal. "The fire chief makes a determination of what is illegal when they are not pistol cap types or party favors of that nature. Anything beyond that, if its marginal, then the fire chief can make a discretion and determine if they are way beyond that they are just illegal," said Terlaje.

While the fireworks were confiscated, authorities are now trying to figure out how the truck, with California license plates, that just arrived on island on November 30 through the Port, managed to make it in with the contraband undetected. "We are hoping with some cooperation or assistance with customs, fire and police we could build a better understanding of what are illegal fireworks."

The case was forwarded to the Attorney General's Office and the confiscated items were turned into GPD.

 

Customs declined to comment on this specific shipment, but spokesperson Lieutenant Ferdinand Soriano says officers do keep an eye out for fireworks during this time of year.