More than two tons of illegal fireworks seized in “largest fireworks bust” in Watsonville Police Department’s history

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Watsonville Police said more than two tons of illegal fireworks were seized in what police is referring to as the largest fireworks bust in the department's history.

Police said the case started when officers received word of a person selling illegal fireworks in the city.

A warrant was served on the 16000 block of Bonney Road in Monterey County east of Las Lomas. Police said they also served a warrant along the 100 block of Santa Clara Street.

The suspects were later identified by police as Luis Martinez and Michael Anderson of Monterey County.

"These illegal fireworks are illegal for a reason, " said Captain Mish Radich. "We didn't have any injuries here locally but we did have a serious injury occur a short distance away in Salinas where a man lost his hand."

Both were arrested for possession and sales of illegal fireworks, according to police.

One of them is also facing additional charges for possessing a destructive device.