WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Over 100 firearms were seized and nearly a dozen people were arrested Tuesday following a six-month investigation into “ghost guns” and other illegal weapons in Westchester and Putnam counties.
According to officials, 11 people were arrested as search warrants were issued Tuesday night at eight locations in what police are calling “Operation Casper.”
Rifles, handguns, “ghost guns” – weapons that lack a serial number – and high-capacity drum magazines were also seized from the locations.
Authorities noted that some of the weapons also had defaced serial numbers.
Several silences, ballistic vests, counterfeit police shields and a slew of ammunition was also recovered by authorities.
Some of the high-capacity drum magazines were similar to the one that was used to murder NYPD Officers Justin Rivera and Wilbert Mora last week, according to officials.
“As we prepare to pay our final respects to Officer Jason Rivera tomorrow and his partner Officer Wilbert Mora next week, we are reminded of the dangers of illegal guns, not just in New York City,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer.
The operation was launched in June 2021 when the counties teamed up to create a task force to address an influx of illegal firearms in the region.
“This proactive, collaborative effort brings together law enforcement and prosecutorial leaders beyond Westchester to combat the distribution and purchase of illegal guns. It is our moral responsibility to work together to reduce the availability of these weapons and keep our communities safe,” said Latimer.
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