Explosives Removed from Monterey Home
MONTEREY, Mass. — Law enforcement officers discovered dozens of explosive devices and parts during the execution of a search warrant at a West Road home on Friday.
A statement from the offices the Berkshire district attorney and the state fire marshal did not identify the home's owner or persons involved with the devices other than to state a "Monterey man" will be summonsed to "face multiple charges on the illegal possession, manufacture, and sale of explosive devices."
State police assigned to both offices and the Monterey police executed the search warrant as part of an investigation of the illegal manufacturing and sale of homemade M Class explosive devices.
The state police bomb squad and fire investigators secured dozens of completed destructive devices and explosive components, according to the statement. The bomb squad transported and safely countercharged the devices and explosive powders in a secure location.
Investigators say they do not believe there is a direct threat to the public at large and the state police investigation remains ongoing.
According to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, these homemade fireworks and explosives can be "extremely sensitive to heat, shock, electrostatic discharge and friction that may initiate, unexpectedly causing serious injury or death. The risks associated with these devices are further compounded because the persons manufacturing, transporting and using these devices often do not have the knowledge, skills and experience required for such activities."
Authorities said the investigation began when a concerned citizen reported suspicious activity and that there have been several such incidents in the state this year of people making their own explosives.
Anyone aware of someone making explosives can contact their local police department or the Arson Hotline at 1-800-8682-9229.
Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation and execution of the search warrant including: Monterey Police, Fire and Public Works Departments, the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit, State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit, State Police Crime Scene Services, State Police Joint Terrorism Task Force, State Fire Marshal's Office, Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, HazMat technicians from the Joint Hazard Incident Response Team and the Special Operations Unit of the Department of Fire Services and the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Tags: explosives,
