Authorities confiscate 200,000 pounds of illegal fireworks, defendant wants them back

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — According to court documents, the State of Nevada issued Michael Paglia a misdemeanor charge after a multi-agency investigation led to the discovery that he was storing 200,000 pounds of illegal fireworks on his property in Cal-Nev-Ari, an area south of Searchlight, Nevada.

Law enforcement seized the fireworks deemed dangerous, citing Clark County’s regulations on using, possessing, handling and storing of fireworks, especially those seen as a threat to the public’s safety.

Now, Paglia has issued a motion with the court to get his fireworks back.

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Paglia’s operation, from which he was selling these fireworks, is described in court documents as the “Amazon warehouse of fireworks” with products organized by type or purchaser as well as boxes set up to form aisles.

Paglia’s neighbors told investigators that trucks were regularly making deliveries and an overwhelming smell of sulfur near the property.

Paglia told law enforcement that he was a wholesaler of fireworks, buying them directly from China and indicating he’s been doing this for more than eight years. He said that he had so many fireworks due to an order from the Mopapa Indian reservation had submitted an order but could not collect since they didn’t have any room to store them.

However, Paglia was found to not possess the local or state permit for consumer firework possession and storage. Additionally, Paglia’s storage of these fireworks did not comply with all local, state and federal safety regulations including signage, security and fire suppression.

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While the penalties afforded Paglia and the seizure of the fireworks is in compliance with all state laws, according to court documents, Paglia believes he will be able to convince the court to give him back the fireworks.

As for Paglia’s argument for the return of the seized property, court documents show that the state is exploring various angles Paglia may take in the case but remains adamant that the “contraband” should not be returned.

A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, July 3, where the state will present its case opposing the return of the seized property.

Paglia is being represented by Attorney David Chesnoff.