'Ghost Gun' Trafficker In Abington Busted: AG

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — State authorities announced charges on Thursday against a gun runner who trafficked untraceable guns, also known as "ghost guns," in a joint investigation with the Abington Township Police Department.

Zairre Hamlett, 25, was charged by Philadelphia police with six felonies, including illegal transfers of firearms. He was arraigned with bail set at $600,000, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday.

The charges stem from a joint investigation between the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Abington Township Police, and Philadelphia Police, the AG's office said.

Authorities said Hamlett was trafficking firearms without serial numbers.

In announcing the charges, authorities shared photos of the firearms and magazines in question, which included a submachine gun with an extended magazine, a long gun, a Luger-style pistol, a 9mm Adams-style handgun, and more.

Investigators said Hamlett made numerous transactions of firearms without serial numbers in and around Philadelphia. Investigators surveilled sales of five pistols — all ghost guns — since October, including two with illegal machine gun conversion switches.

“This investigation highlights the serious and growing threat posed by the illegal manufacture and trafficking of ghost guns and fully automatic firearms within the region," Abington Township Police Chief Patrick Molloy said. "The arrest of Zairre Hamlett and the seizure of multiple firearms, machine gun conversion devices, and manufacturing equipment not only disrupted an active trafficking operation, but also prevented these weapons from being further distributed into the community."

During a search warrant execution at Hamlett’s Dauphin Street home, officials found other firearms, including a 3-D printed, privately-made firearm, ammunition, and additional materials to print firearms at home.

Patch Staff Writer Max Bennett contributed to this story