PHILADELPHIA -
A narcotics raid has led police to some dangerous materials at a home in Northeast Philadelphia.
SkyFOX was over the 2600 block of East Thompson Street in the Port Richmond section on Thursday morning. That's where we've learned a narcotics raid found three devices at a home there.
A 31-year old man is reported to be in custody. Police were not immediately identifying him.
According to police, narcotics undercover officers executed a search warrant around 6:30 a.m. at the home of a guy who was suspected of having marijuana in his house.
Police said the man didn't put up a struggle. But when they were looking around they started seeing pipe bombs and lots of guns all over the place.
"Immediately they backed out of the house and called for the bomb disposal unit," Chief Inspector Joe Sullivan said. "At that point, the bomb disposal unit did arrive on location. We have confirmed that there were at least three explosive devices in the property. We're continuing to search. Those original three devices are in our custody, and are secure, and we'll be transporting them out of here shortly. But the search does continue."
Sullivan added, "Also large cache of firearms was recovered with multiple assault rifles."
FOX 29's Steve Keeley reported that police have found – in addition to the handguns and at least one .50-caliber machine gun – lots of ammunition and lots of explosive powder, as it was described.
Keeley tweeted, "Neighbors told us the usual...'he's a nice quiet guy.'"
Police remained at the scene, which is right near Lehigh Avenue and about two block off Interstate 95's Allegheny exit, well into the morning.
The whole block on East Thompson Street sealed off, but you can still get by on Lehigh Avenue.
A federal agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was also called out to the scene.
There was another narcotics raid Thursday morning on the 1800 block of Thayer Street in Kensington. Inside police found what was described as being similar to a practice round for the bomb squad. Police have cleared that location.
"Narcotics went into another location this morning, and there was an inert grenade at a second location," Sullivan said. "So, we're running a little bit this morning, but all – no one was injured, and both scenes are safe. So, that's all that matters to us."
Photo by @KeeleyFox29
