MESA, Ariz. — Fourth of July isn't quite here yet, but fireworks are in Mesa.
Mesa police officers pulled over a vehicle with a suspended license plate on June 8 and while speaking to the driver, 22-year-old Nicholas Ruiz, and the passenger, 47-year-old Carlos Barron, officers saw boxes of illegal fireworks in the vehicle, police said.
Officers said Ruiz allegedly bought the fireworks in New Mexico and he and Barron had "hopes of selling them for profit" in Mesa, according to a news release.
Officers seized over 50 suspected high explosive devices from the vehicle, police said. Both men were booked into jail and are facing charges of illegal possession of fireworks and illegal fireworks for sale.
A few hours later, Mesa police officers stopped another vehicle for displaying plates not valid for highway use, police said. Officers saw illegal fireworks in the bed of the truck they stopped.
While speaking to the driver, 27-year-old Ivan Mejia, police officers learned that he allegedly bought the fireworks in Nevada and was selling them to people online.
Officers said they seized over 20 suspected high explosive devices and booked Mejia into jail, where he is facing charges of possession of illegal fireworks and illegal fireworks for sale.
"Fireworks can be fun and we want everyone to enjoy the upcoming holiday, safely!" The Mesa Police Department said in a news release. "Mesa police officers will be out and about enforcing firework laws and arresting anyone who violates them."
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