(CMC)-Police have declared a zero-tolerance policy against the use of pyrotechnic material such as firecrackers, scratch bombs, sparklers and other similar explosives during the Christmas season and are warning that the relevant authorities will be intensifying their monitoring policies regarding the importation of the items.
The police said they would be ” intensifying its security measures aimed at stemming the illegal and indiscriminate use of these explosives, and will take a zero-tolerance approach against offenders in possession of these explosives.
“Persons are reminded that the activating, discharging or throwing of these explosive devices in any public place is prohibited by Section 435, Chapter 72A of the Criminal Code of the 2010 Continuous Revised Laws of Grenada,” the police said in a statement.
“Further, persons are reminded that Section 9, subsection 3 (c) of the Explosives Act Chapter 96 of Volume 6 of the 2010 Continuous Revised Laws of Grenada, makes it is a criminal offence for anyone to use, deal, sell or purchase these explosives, without the appropriate license,” the police said, warning that anyone found in possession, offering for sale or discharging these devices may face criminal prosecution under the relevant legislation.
The police said that considering the dangers posed by these explosives, they are urging the public to cooperate and report any violation of the ban.
In a separate statement, the Customs Department said it was also reminding importers that there are restrictions regarding the importation of blasting powders, detonators and high explosives of any description.
“Further, persons are reminded that Section 9, subsection 3 (c) of the Explosives Act Chapter 96 of Volume 6 of the 2010 Continuous Revised Laws of Grenada, makes it is a criminal offence for anyone to use, deal, sell or purchase these explosives, without the appropriate license,” said the statement, noting that only the Minister for National Security can authorize a license for the importation and use of pyrotechnic articles.
The authorities warn that anyone contravening the law, will be liable on summary conviction to a fine of EC$5,000 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents).
The police also urge parents and guardians to advise and educate their children about the consequences of the use and discharging of these illegal explosives, adding that they may be subject to criminal prosecution for the acts of their children, which cause injury, loss of lives and or loss of property.
