Ghost Gun, Narcotics & Cash Seized In Naugatuck Traffic Stop: Police

NAUGATUCK, CT — A "ghost gun," narcotics and cash were seized by Naugatuck police last week during a traffic stop, which led to the arrests of a Naugatuck man and a Waterbury man, according to authorities.

Police pulled over Gregory Alves, 51, of Waterbury, at about 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday for what Naugatuck police said were "minor motor vehicle violations." Naugatuck resident Willie Redd, 41, was the passenger in the vehicle.

"Officers suspected the presence of drugs within the vehicle and that Alves was driving under the influence," Naugatuck police said. The department's narcotics K-9 officer, Tommy, was called to the scene, and during a search of the vehicle, the following items were found and seized:

- 318 1MG Lorazepam pills
- 125 5MG Diazepam pills
- 70 10MG Diazepam pills
- 47 Grams Crack Cocaine
- 1 9mm Tan and Black handgun with no serial numbers
- 1 600MG Gabapentin pill
- 1 20MG Doxycycline Hyclate pill
- 2 300MG Bupropion Hydro Chloride pills
- 1 .01oz glassine fold of heroine
- 2 Electronic digital scales
- 5 "Crack" push rods
- 1 .01oz glassine fold of heroine
- An amount of Marijuana
- 3 cell phones
- 1 Keltec handgun with a false serial number

"The tan 9mm firearm displayed no serial numbers etched or assigned whatsoever, and therefore is being classified as a 'ghost gun,'" police said. "A ghost gun by definition is an un-serialized, untraceable firearm that can be assembled at home and built without proper background checks."

Alves, who police said is a convicted felon, is prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm. He was charged with the following:

• Failure to Illuminate Tail Lamps
• Operating while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession with intent to sell a narcotic substance
• Possession of marijuana with intent to sell
• Altering or removing firearm ID
• Weapon in a motor vehicle
• Criminal possession of a firearm (2 counts)
• Carrying a firearm while under the influence

He was held in lieu of bail of $350,000 and is scheduled to appear in Waterbury Superior Court on June 6.

Redd was charged with:

• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession with intent to sell a narcotic substance
• Possession of marijuana with intent to sell
• Carrying a firearm without a permit
• Altering or removing firearm ID
• Weapon in a motor vehicle

He was held in lieu of bail of $125,000 and is scheduled to appear in Waterbury Superior Court at a later date.

"The Naugatuck Police Department continues with our mission to remove both illegal firearms
and narcotics from the streets of our community," authorities said. "We commend the proactivity of our officers who work hard each day to ensure the safety and quality of life for the residents of our community."