LINDENWOLD, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- New Jersey authorities say they've busted a criminal network that was trafficking cocaine and weapons.
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New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said 12 men were arrested in what began as a probe into cocaine distribution in Lindenwold. Authorities say the investigation was expanded, when it was discovered that some of the suspects were also selling untraceable AR-15s.
“Assault rifles like these pose an especially deadly threat to law enforcement, innocent bystanders, and others when placed in the wrong hands, and suffice it to say no one conducted any background checks here," Grewal said.
Four of the men allegedly sold rifles made from parts that were purchased online. Operation Stonewall marks the first arrests since the state made it illegal to own a so-called 'ghost guns.'
Police say the men had the gun parts shipped to Pennsylvania to avoid detection.
Thirteen total weapons wee seized in the operations, six of those were unregistered AR15s. The bust netted drugs as well, police said. Large quantities of cocaine and heroin were found along with smaller amounts of oxycodone and Xanax.