REPORTING. Before the New Year, police seize firecrackers and fireworks sold illegally in the Paris region

As the New Year approaches, an order from the Paris police headquarters prohibits the sale of certain fireworks. The police check the businesses.

From the first store, commissioner Ingrid Chemith spotted firecrackers displayed behind the counter: “This type of product if used improperly can cause quite serious injuries to the hand and fingers”. This type of police control is increasing in the Paris region as the New Year approaches. An order from the Paris police headquarters prohibits the sale and possession of certain fireworks since December 23 and until January 2 2025.

In this business located on avenue Jean Jaurès in Aubervilliers, in Seine-Saint-Denis, the police seized 15 kilos of fireworks. Aves, the manager is caught off guard: “They must keep us informed. The last time someone came to tell us that we are not allowed to sell them, but no one came”blows the one who exposes himself to a fine of up to 1,500 euros, having not listed the sales of fireworks in his store.

Since 2021, traders must report certain purchases of pyrotechnic devices to law enforcement, recalls Ingrid Chemith. “The merchant has 72 hours to notify us of a transaction that he considers suspicious, this may indicate risks of misuse later on public roads.” Of the nine businesses checked that day, the police seized more than 300 kg of fireworks prohibited for sale. Over the entire month of December 2023, 800 kg were seized — a stable figure over recent years in Aubervilliers. Checks will continue until the order is lifted.