About 15 pounds of illegal explosives and specific materials used to manufacture them were seized during search warrants served in Millbrae and unincorporated Burlingame last week, and two people have been arrested, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.
This month, Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) detectives began investigating a subject who was manufacturing and distributing explosive devices. Through surveillance they identified two residential properties where it was occurring in unincorporated Burlingame and Millbrae, one being an apartment building, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Search warrants were served at the properties on Friday. Two men were arrested as part of the investigation: Raymond Chan, 43, of Burlingame, and Jeffrey Bernaldez, 47, of Daly City. They were subsequently booked into jail on charges including possession of explosives, conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine and bringing a controlled substance into jail.
“Further investigation is being conducted by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Unit regarding criminal charges for explosive manufacturing,” the Sheriff’s Office said, adding, “With the extreme fire danger, we are facing this summer and drought conditions we are urging the community to leave the fireworks to the professionals.”
Photos courtesy of San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office
