THREE PEOPLE were arrested by Westminster police for possession and sales of illegal fireworks (Shutterstock).

An ounce of prevention, it is said, is worth a pound of cure.

The Westminster Police Department has prevented a large amount of illegal fireworks from reaching the streets in the days running up to the Fourth of July.

According to Commander Andy Stowers of the WPD, undercover operations led to the arrest of three persons for possession of and illegal sales of unpermitted fireworks.

Arrested were Davis Cabrera, 44, of Stanton; Andrew Lopez, 19, of Santa Ana; David Tran,40, of Santa Ana.

The WPD seized:

• about 235 cannister artillery/explosive fireworks shells;
• four “party packs” of illegal fireworks, which each contained over 20 different fireworks;
• 85 shots of aerial firework display;
• about 40 roman candles;
• 60 shots of cake-style fireworks.

“The surge of illegal fireworks continues to be a widespread problem this time of year, especially with the use of online platforms to carry out the illicit activity. We hope the seizure of the approximately 500 items [that] detectives made helps get the word out to those involved in the illegal sales of fireworks.

“It has also proven difficult to cite offenders unless officers catch them in the act of lighting fireworks, so we will continue future undercover operations to help stem the flow,” said Deputy Chief Cameron Knauerhaze.