Two Arrested In Peninsula On Suspicion Of Distributing Explosives

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Two Peninsula men were arrested on Friday on suspicion of manufacturing and distributing explosive devices and possessing approximately 15 pounds of illegal explosives.

The suspects, 43-year-old Burlingame resident Raymond Chan and 47-year-old Daly City resident Jeffrey Bernaldez, were also found to have methamphetamine in their possession, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office said in a news release on Monday that its crime suppression unit began investigating a subject who they believed was manufacturing and distributing explosive devices. The investigation revealed the two suspects, who were operating out of two residences in Millbrae and Burlingame, one of which was in an apartment building, according to the sheriff’s office.

Detectives executed search warrants in Millbrae and Burlingame on Friday, finding the fireworks and materials used to manufacture explosives, the sheriff’s office said.

Chan and Bernaldez were charged with possession of explosives, conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine and bringing a controlled substance into jail.

In a separate case last week, the sheriff’s office made two arrests in connection with a major distributing line of illegal fireworks, in which it found 15,000 pounds of fireworks and $1 million in cash.