For Immediate Release  
 Contact: Brian Burns
                                                       FY 98-4 
                                                       Date: Feb. 20, 1998

   

      ATF PROBES LARGEST EXPLOSIVES THEFT IN PAST YEARS

 WASHINGTON--The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) today announced a
 reward for information concerning the theft of a large quantity of explosives occurring between Feb.
 13 and Feb. 16, 1998, at the C and K Coal Company, Route 58 West, Sligo, Pa.  

 The theft included approximately 2,000 pounds of explosive materials, including ANFO blasting
 agent, 560 electric blasting caps, 1,500 feet of noiseless fuse line and 13,000 feet of detonating
 cord. This has been the largest explosives theft in past years.    

 ''We believe this to be the largest theft of combined commercial explosives in the past years.  ATF
 will pursue those responsible and we urge the public to contact ATF with any information regarding
 this crime. We know that certain citizens have information and we urge them to call the hotline,'' said
 ATF Assistant Director, Patrick D. Hynes.  

 ATF regulates the explosives industry and enforces the federal explosive laws and regulations. ATF
 reminds citizens that they should never attempt to handle suspected explosive materials or devices in
 any manner, one should immediately contact their local police department if they believe they have
 found any explosives. 

 Anyone with information is requested to call the 1-888-ATF-BOMB hotline.  The hotline is manned
 24 hours a day, seven days a week by ATF special agents. All calls will be kept strictly confidential.

 For more information on ATF, visit the ATF Web site at www.atf.treas.gov.   

   
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