'Ghost Guns' Seized In Raid By CT State Police In Shelton

SHELTON, CT — Several "ghost guns" were seized Monday by state police in raids at undisclosed locations in Shelton and other Connecticut communities, according to authorities. Ghost guns, which do not have serial numbers, are illegally manufactured and sold to avoid detection.

In addition to Shelton, raids also were conducted at sites in Waterbury and Wolcott, and the weapons seized included "AR-15 variant rifles and handguns, high capacity magazines and ammunition," according to authorities.

State police also seized narcotics and other contraband during the raids, which followed a lengthy investigation in illegal weapons and drug sales in the Greater Waterbury area.

One person was arrested in connection with the seizures, but additional arrests are anticipated, state police said.

Taken into custody in connection with the raids was Southington resident Bryan Joyce, 36, who was charged with multiple counts of transferring an illegally manufactured firearm; illegal sale of an assault weapon; and other related weapons and narcotics charges.

He was being held in lieu of bail of $500,000, and is scheduled to appear in Waterbury Superior Court on April 6.

"This investigation is part of the collaborative law enforcement effort to disrupt weapons related violence in the State of Connecticut," state police said.

The following law enforcement agencies were involved in the investigation:

• Connecticut State Police Statewide Firearms Trafficking Task Force
• Statewide Urban Violence Cooperative Crime Control Task Force
• Statewide Narcotics Task Force Southwest and North Central Offices
• Bridgeport Police Department
• Shelton Police Department
• Orange Police Department
• Waterbury Police Department
• Hartford Police Department
• Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives