Police on Wednesday arrested a Mattes Road man on charges he was operating a fireworks factory in his home.
got a tip that Kenneth Lupoli, 49, of 7 Mattes Rd., was producing explosives and fireworks in the house, police spokesman Capt. Ronald Smith said. It was a relative that contacted police about the situation, Smith said.
When officers searched the home, they found "evidence of illegal possession and manufacturing of explosives," Smith said. "They seized items that included a large amount of illegal fireworks, manufacturing/packaging materials, mortar tubes and various types of powders, which are used in explosives."
The FBI and the Connecticut State Police Bomb Squad aided the Hamden Police and Fire departments in the raid, Smith said.
Lupoli was charged with Illegal Manufacture of Explosives, Illegal Possession of Explosives, Illegal Possession of Fireworks, Reckless Endangerment and Risk of Injury to a Minor.
He was released after posting a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court Feb. 23.
