Fresno PD Busts Major Narcotics Operation, AR-15 Assault Rifle ‘Ghost Gun’ Seized

An illegal drug operation filled with narcotics, weapons, and a large amount of cash was shut down by the Fresno Police Department and agents from the DEA, authorities said Friday. Also recovered during the bust was an AR-15 assault rifle ‘Ghost Gun’.

Fausto Pina was arrested on drug and weapons charges. (Image: Fresno PD)

President Joe Biden campaigned on stopping the proliferation of so-called “ghost guns” by saying he’ll pass legislation requiring that purchasers of gun kits or 3D printing code pass a federal background check. Biden says one way people who cannot legally obtain a gun may gain access to a weapon is by assembling one on their own, either by buying a kit of disassembled gun parts or 3D printing a working firearm.

On Monday, a team that included Fresno PD’s Major Narcotics Unit detectives, MAGEC gang detectives, and DEA agents conducted surveillance at the location in a residential area near Chestnut and Butler avenues, according to a department news release.

Officers identified a wanted felony suspect, Fausto Pina. 31, leaving the area and apprehended him after a brief chase, the release said.  Fresno police then obtained a search warrant for Pina’s residence.

He was booked into Fresno County Jail on drug and weapons charges. The following were among the items seized, police say:

• Approximately 86 pounds of methamphetamine
• Approximately 1 kilo of cocaine
• Approximately 1 pound of black tar heroin
• .38 special revolver (unregistered)
• Remington 700 / 30-06 rifle with scope (unregistered)
• AR-15 assault rifle “Ghost Gun”
• Over 200 rounds of live ammunition
• Over $23,000 in cash seized as asset forfeiture
• One vehicle was seized under asset forfeiture