NEW YORK STATE - The New York State Police made more than a dozen arrests and seized thousands of dollars in illegal fireworks over the holiday weekend as part of their annual 4th of July crackdown.

According to New York State Police Troop C Public Information Officer Aga Dembinska, due to the number of complaints from the public, over the July 4th holiday weekend, State Police targeted people bringing illegal fireworks purchased in Pennsylvania into New York State.

“State Troopers were highly visible along state highways and in the communities we patrol, aggressively enforcing New York’s fireworks laws,” Debminska said. “Illegal fireworks pose significant safety hazards and can be very disruptive for neighbors and the surrounding community.”

As a result of the enforcement period, the New York State Police arrested 21 people and charged them with unlawfully dealing with fireworks. She said additional charges are pending in some cases.