Surrey bylaw officers say they have seized an estimated $345,000 of illegal fireworks ahead of the Diwali weekend.
According to the City of Surrey, police have made five seizures at four locations and issued eight tickets since Oct. 27 as a result of bylaw investigations.
Bylaw officers, according to the city, have responded to online classified ads that appear to be conducting unlicensed sales. Fireworks are not allowed to be sold or discharged without a valid fire department permit and federal fireworks operator certification.
“I commend our dedicated bylaws team for working tirelessly to locate and seize a record number of illegal fireworks in our city,” said Mayor Brenda Locke in a statement Friday.
“This investigative work has surely made our city safer and sends a strong message that this activity will not be tolerated in Surrey. As with Halloween, bylaw officers will be out during Diwali with extended hours to respond to community reports and continue their proactive patrols in hot spot areas.”
Diwali is the Festival of Lights celebrated in South Asian cultures. However, festival celebrations have often involved fireworks.
