About 640 pounds of high explosives were recently stolen from a pipeline worksite this past weekend in Marietta, in Lancaster County, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the recovery of the explosives. The ATF, in conjunction with Pennsylvania State Police and the Susquehanna Regional Police Department are requesting the public’s assistance, according to an ATF news release.
On Monday, April 16, the Gregory General Contracting Company reported a theft of approximately 640 pounds of dynamite and 400 blasting caps from its pipeline worksite in Marietta, according to the news release.
The explosives were stored inside a locked, truck trailer which was left on site after workers left on Friday, April 13. The worksite security company did not discover the theft until Monday, after noticing that the trailer door was ajar with the locks missing, the release stated.
“The ATF, along with our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring that our communities are safe and that those who violate federal explosive laws are held accountable," said Donald Robinson, Special Agent in Charge in the release. “We are asking for the public’s help in our effort to apprehend and convict those responsible.”
The ATF is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the recovery of the stolen explosives and/or the arrest and conviction of those responsible, the release stated.
Theft and possession of stolen explosives is a federal crime that is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the ATF hotline at 888-ATF-BOMB (888-283-2662). Tips can also be submitted by using the Reportit® app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App store, or by visiting www.reportit.com (link is external). All tips will be kept confidential.
The article says dynamite was taken. But I suspect it was actually some variety of PLASTIQUE. Security was obviously very lax. 640 pounds is a LOT. Sounds like an inside job. Is this stuff now in the possession of Abdul & Muhammad, enroute to NYC ??? 