Saint-Jérôme, Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - Last Tuesday,
the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Laurentides-Lanaudière-Outaouais
Detachment, seized thousands of unauthorized fireworks under Canadian law
from a
warehouse in Saint-Eustache. Michel Charest, 47, was arrested and charged
by the
federal police officers.
The suspect faces four counts of indictment under the Explosives
Act for
possession of, selling or offering for sale, storing in an unauthorized
place and displaying for sale an unauthorized explosive substance contrary
to the provisions of the Explosives Act. Michel Charest was on parole at
the time of his arrest and was prohibited from having explosives in his
possession. He was therefore remanded in custody for breach of condition.
Thousands of Fireworks
The RCMP officers found the illegal fireworks during a search conducted
at the suspect’s place of business, Le Roi du feu d’artifice,
located at 807 F Montée Lauzon in Saint-Eustache. Several thousands
of fireworks that are not authorized in Canada were seized. These items
had a market value of close to $35,000.
This investigation was carried out in partnership with Natural Resources
Canada, Explosives Regulatory Division, Minerals and Metals Sector.
With Canada Day and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day only weeks away, consumers
are urged to use caution when buying fireworks, as some of them are illegal
in Canada.
In accordance with the Explosives Act, it is also prohibited to sell
fireworks, except for caps for toy guns and model rocket engines, to any
person under 18 years of age.
If you have any information or concerns about anyone in possession of
or selling fireworks, please contact the Laurentides-Lanaudière-Outaouais
Detachment at (450) 431-1337.
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For Information:
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Sergeant Claude Piédalue
Laurentides-Lanaudière-Outaouais Detachment
Tel.: (450) 431-1337, ext. 226
Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
Jhocelyn Charron
(613) 992-4447
