LOS ANGELES, Jan 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced today that Pyro Spectaculars, Inc., (PSI), a Federal Explosives Licensee located in Rialto, has agreed to forfeit the sum of $29,000 representing proceeds from an alleged violation of Federal explosives laws.  PSI agreed to forfeit the proceeds for the over storage of approximately 62,000 pounds of explosives stored in excess of individual container limits.

"This case is historic for ATF and the explosives industry in that this is the first time a forfeiture has ever happened for storage violations.  I commend Pyro Spectacular for agreeing to the forfeiture.  Secondly, it shows ATF has zero tolerance for those who may want to circumvent explosives storage laws," said John A. Torres, Special Agent in Charge of ATF's Los Angeles Field Division.  "For anyone thinking of doing this, don't!  Public safety is our main concern and I feel we have done our part in ensuring their well-being."

In March, 2010, an explosive inspection was conducted at PSI by ATF Industry Operations Investigators.  Investigators found violations of the Federal mandated explosives storage laws which licensee's must adhere to when storing explosives material. PSI worked with ATF to quickly mitigate the public safety concerns and has instituted procedures to ensure full compliance with all Federal explosives laws.  

ATF is the Federal agency primarily responsible for administering and enforcing the criminal and regulatory provisions of the Federal laws pertaining to destructive devices (bombs), explosives, and arson. Over nearly 40 years, ATF has developed scientifically proven investigative capabilities, expertise, and resources that have positioned ATF as the Nation's primary source for explosives and fire investigative knowledge and assistance. To accomplish its mission, ATF has multiple tools at its disposal, including:

• Accelerant and Explosives Canines
• Certified Explosives Specialists
• Certified Fire Investigators
• Criminal Investigative Analysis
• Explosives Enforcement Officers
• International and National Response Teams
• U.S. Bomb Data Center/Bomb Arson Tracking System

More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

Contact:  Special Agent Christian Hoffman, PIO, Office: (818) 265-2507, Cell: (213) 216-3622, [email protected]

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives