Police spokesman First Lt. Nawaf Al-Bouq told Arab News: “During this Eid holiday, security officers are stepping up efforts to halt and detain those involved in selling these illegal and dangerous items.”

Secret police units will be patrolling neighborhoods known for attracting these sellers, he said.

Al-Bouq said police personnel will be dispatched to multiple locations around the city and will rely on tip-offs from the public to locate where these illegal activities are taking place.

Police are monitoring popular visitor spots in the city, including Al-Baiea Square, Al-Mahmal Center and the traditional souks of Bab Makkah and Bab Sharif.

“Last week police investigators raided a illegal fireworks distribution point in Bab Sharif,” said Al-Bouq. He said one of the arrested vendors told the investigators that as the holiday season draws near and demand becomes high, traders are tempted to bring more goods to the market.

Head of Jeddah police Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Ghamdi said: "The use of fireworks by children can be a risk to their lives and put the lives of others in danger as well. Some of these firecrackers contain highly flammable materials and parents should keep their children safe from these dangerous items."