Maui Police Recover Multiple “Ghost Guns” While Executing Search Warrant in Wailuku

Maui police reportedly recovered several “ghost guns,” or unregistered firearms with no serial numbers, a printed pistol and 3D printed silencer during the search of a Wailuku residence on Monday morning.

Officers with the Maui Police Department crime reduction unit and Special Response tactical Team joined a Wailuku patrol officer in executing search warrants on a 41-year-old male resident at around 7 a.m. on Nov. 15, 2021.

“This person [is] currently under felony indictment in the state of California,” said Acting Police Chief Dean Rickard during a Maui Police Commission meeting on Wednesday.

According to Rickard, the search warrant resulted in the recovery of:

• Two completely assembled ghost gun pistols with no serial numbers
• A 3D printer
• Printed pistol with no serial numbers
• Three short barreled completely assembled ghost gun rifles with no serial numbers
• High capacity pistol/rifle magazines
• 3D printed silencer
• Numerous double-bladed knives and switchblade knives
• Different types of calibers of ammunition

In addition to the unregistered firearms, police also recovered 36 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 2,144 grams of dried and processed marijuana–both of which were packaged for distribution, according to Rickard.

“Also located within this residence was a large 3D printer with multiple drill press machines, several drill kit modes and various firearm parts, as well as many 3D printed items,” said Acting Chief Rickard.

Three of five occupants within the home were arrested on numerous drug charges and weapons violations.  The case is still being actively investigated.  

“None of the firearms were registered and active permits to acquire were issued to any of these occupants that were located within the residence,” said Rickard.

Crime Reduction Unit Credited with Work Year-to-Date

Speaking to the scope of work by the five-member specialized Crime Reduction Unit, Rickard said, year-to-date, they have made over 1,500 arrests, recovered three pounds of cocaine, 18 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, 5.5 pounds of heroin, and $397,000-plus in cash. 

According to Rickard, last month alone, the Crime Reduction Unit executed 12 search warrants, and made 53 arrests. Also last month, police recovered 3.5 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, two pounds of heroin, 1.5 pounds of Fentanyl-type compounds, six firearms, and $84,000 in cash.

“It just goes to show you how drugs and firearms have been prevalent in our community and the job that our officers continue to do in addressing these concerns,” said Rickard. “Our Crime Reduction Unit has been exemplary in their taking illegal narcotics and firearms off the streets.”

“Ghost Gun” Legislation Goes Into Effect on Jan. 1, 2022

Two House bills to promote gun safety and prohibit the possession of “ghost guns” were signed into law on July 1, 2021, by Governor David Ige. Act 149, goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2022 which amends the Class C felony offense of manufacturing, purchasing, or obtaining firearm parts to assemble a firearm having no serial number, to also prohibit possession of those firearm parts. 

Backers of the bill said the measure was adopted to close a loophole in current laws. The legislation was designed to help protect communities by keeping unmarked, unregistered guns off the streets.

A separate measure, now Act 148 raises the maximum age of minors for which safe storage of firearms is required from 16 to 18 years old.