Pyrotechnic Devices Seized During Search of Marijuana Collectives, 5 Residences in Yucaipa, Highland, San Bernardino

More than 500 pounds of pyrotechnic devices or fireworks were seized and four men were arrested Thursday during searches of two marijuana collectives and five residences in Yucaipa, Highland and San Bernardino, sheriff's personnel said Friday.

Methamphetamine, a loaded hangun and a set of brass knuckles were also seized, but no information was disclosed on whether any marijuana was discovered or seized during the searches, which began about 9 a.m. May 30 with a contingent of  San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies and federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents.

The arrested men were identified as Daniel Rodriguez, 24, of Highland, and Raymond Ortiz, 31, Anthony Hernandez, 35, and Lance Savala, 36, all of San Bernardino, deputies said in a sheriff's department news release.

Warrants were served at Green Oasis Collective locations at 32209 Yucaipa Blvd. and 1594 North E St., San Bernardino, at homes in the 7300 block of McKinley Street, Highland, the 7100 block of Bangor Avenue, Highland, the 600 block of East 19th Street, San Bernardino, and two residences in the 1500 block of West Kingman Street, San Bernardino, deputies said.

Local and federal law enforcement began investigating Green Oasis Collective dispensaries in Yucaipa and San Bernardino about six months ago, deputies said. State and federal warrants were served during the searches Thursday.

"A total of 524 pounds of illegal pyrotechnic explosive devices were seized from two of the residences," deputies said.

Ortiz was arrested  at his residence on East 19th Street in San Bernardino on suspicion of possessing 221 pounds of explosives, deputies said.

Hernandez was arrested at his residence on Kingman Street in San Bernardino on suspicion of possessing 303 pounds of explosives, a loaded semi-automatic handgun, ammunition and possession of methamphetamine for sale, deputies said.

Rodriguez was arrested at his residence on McKinley Street in Highland for possessing brass knuckles, deputies said. Savala was arrested on a no-bail arrest warrant near the marijuana dispensary on North E Street in San Bernardino.

Investigators from the sheriff’s Narcotics Division, Specialized Enforcement Division gang team, Bomb and Arson Detail took part in serving the warrants along with DEA agents, deputies said.

All four suspects were booked "pending state charges," deputies said. Anyone with more info was urged to call the sheriff's Narcotics Division at  (909) 890-4840.