In an early morning operation, the Santa Rosa Police Department's Gang Crimes Team, aided by the Special Enforcement and Downtown Enforcement Teams, initiated a search in a Southwest Santa Rosa home that led to a significant discovery of illegal firearms, including a short-barreled assault rifle and equipment used to manufacture firearms. The raid, which took place in the 800 Block of Yuba Drive, resulted in the arrest of two individuals following an investigation into the illegal manufacturing of firearms.
The search, conducted at around 8 a.m., allowed officers to stumble upon not only firearms and ammunition but also evidence suggesting an operation to watch and closely produce so-called "ghost guns" readily. According to a recent Facebook post by the Santa Rosa Police Department, two manufactured polymer 80 handgun lower receivers, a 3D printer, and the necessary tools for their creation were found at the scene. Such equipment is often used to manufacture firearms that lack serial numbers, making them difficult to trace and, thus, favored in illicit markets.
Salvador Cardenas, 26, and Juan Cardenas, 18, both residents of the searched location, were taken into custody following the operation. Charges levied against Salvador include possession of precursor firearm parts, possession and sale of an assault rifle, and an unlicensed sale of an assault rifle. Juan faces charges related to possession of an assault rifle and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The specifics of the charges suggest a level of premeditation and intent to distribute these illegal weapons within the community.
The Santa Rosa Police highlighted the significance of this bust as a step towards disrupting the circulation of untraceable weapons in the area. "These items are commonly used for the manufacturing of polymer 80 handguns" known as "ghost guns", the department stated.
