A day of action, code-named “Spark-Down,” was held yesterday, Good Wednesday, April 8, 2026, by police agencies across the country to deter the illegal manufacture, trafficking, sale and use of pyrotechnics.

The action is part of the broader planning that is being implemented on the orders of the Weapons and Explosives Department of the State Protection Directorate of the Hellenic Police Headquarters, in order to deal more effectively with the phenomenon and to enhance the sense of security of citizens in view of the Easter holidays.

In this context, special police teams were set up, which carried out checks throughout the day, taking into account local peculiarities and activities associated with an increased risk of injury or loss of life.

During the action, 3,660 checks were carried out, 23 arrests were made and 22 offences were recorded. At the same time, among other things, the following were seized:

  • 49,564 firecrackers
  • 41,447 fireworks
  • 6,370 children’s fireworks
  • 152 flares
  • 127 improvised explosive devices
  • 114 fireworks
  • 2,761 grams of raw materials

Indicatively, during yesterday’s action by the ELAS:

  • A woman was arrested in Corinth, as more than 32,000 pyrotechnics were found in a seasonal goods store,
  • A man was arrested in Lasithi, where more than 23,000 firecrackers were found in his business,

In Attica, a man was arrested as more than 22 firecrackers were found in a shop of a health food store.000 firecrackers, as well as smoke grenades, fireworks and flare guns,

  • A man who had ordered 1,000 firecrackers from abroad was arrested in Messinia, while 59 more were found in his home.

A total of 27,027 checks have been carried out by the police between 7 March and 8 April 2026, with 93 arrests and 79 offences recorded. During the same period, the following have been seized:

  • 105,762 ticks
  • 44,139 fireworks
  • 6,975 children’s fireworks
  • 1,439 improvised explosive devices
  • 452 launching devices
  • 163 flares
  • 149 sparklers
  • 27,167.64 grams of raw materials

It is reminded that the website of the Hellenic Police has a special section with statistics (checks, arrests, seizures), as well as useful instructions for avoiding the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics.

As noted in the announcement, “the controls of the Hellenic Police will continue with the same intensity throughout the festive season, aiming to prevent accidents and protect human life”.