By Bonny Burrows
A 41-year-old Pakenham man has been charged and will face fines of up to $430,000 for smuggling illegal fireworks into Victoria.
The man’s arrest follows raids of five homes in South-East Melbourne on 1 December, during which almost three tonnes of illegal fireworks was seized by police.
Victoria Police’s arson and explosives squad searched five homes in Narre Warren South, Pakenham, Springvale and Dandenong as well as a storage facility and a vehicle rental premises in Dandenong South.
Marine flares and crackers, along with an imitation firearm, samurai sword and air rifle were uncovered in the raids, which were carried out with assistance from Worksafe.
Police also arrested a Narre Warren man and a Springvale man, both 41, in relation to the matter.
All men were charged with possessing illegal fireworks and were bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 29 March.
WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, Marnie Williams said it was illegal for anyone apart from licensed pyrotechnicians to be in possession of fireworks or to use them in Victoria.
“Fireworks are banned from use by the general public because they are dangerous in untrained hands. Illegal fireworks can cause serious injury and death,” Ms Williams said.
Fireworks are treated as explosives under the Crimes Act.
