THE City of Surrey Bylaws investigation has led to the seizure of $80K of fireworks. It is believed that this seizure is from the same owner as the $100K seizure in the week leading up to Halloween.
In this latest instance, Bylaws officers scheduled an appointment with the seller to purchase fireworks and attended a property which appeared to be an abandoned house. Officers posed as customers and observed a large accumulation of fireworks from the doorstep. Officers advised the individuals they were being investigated for illegal sale and possession of fireworks, seized the items and issued two municipal tickets.
“Thank you to our hardworking Bylaws team who have taken $180,000 of illegal fireworks off of Surrey streets,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “Our city is safer due to your hard work. I hope these large seizures send a clear message to anyone wanting to illegally sell fireworks in Surrey that this activity won’t be tolerated in our city. Our Bylaw officers will continue to work tirelessly to identify, investigate and seize fireworks from illegal sellers in the City of Surrey.”
In the City of Surrey, fireworks are not allowed to be sold or discharged without a valid Fire Department permit and Federal Fireworks Operator Certification. Violating the City’s Firework Bylaws can result in a penalty of up to $5,000 to a suspension or loss of a business license for businesses found selling illegal fireworks. Click here to learn more.
Surrey Bylaws enforcement officers and police will be enforcing the City’s Fireworks Bylaw from now to Diwali. Call 604-591-4370 to report fireworks and firecracker complaints in Surrey.
9-1-1 should not be used to report fireworks. 9-1-1 is for police, fire and medical emergencies when immediate action is required: someone’s health, safety or property is in jeopardy, or a crime is in progress.