Dartmouth Police Seize ‘Ghost Guns,’ 3D Printer in Arrest

DARTMOUTH (WBSM) — Dartmouth Police arrested a town resident and seized two AR-15 style “ghost guns," a 3D printer and ammunition on Saturday.

What Led Police to the Dartmouth Home

According to Dartmouth Police, officers responded at about 4:16 p.m. on March 27 to a home at 5 Sabrinas Way for a report of a disturbance in progress. During the investigation, they learned that a resident, Brendan Smith, 43, may be in possession of untraceable firearms – known commonly as “ghost” guns – and the equipment used to manufacture them.

Community Impact Unit detectives then took up the investigation and learned that Smith does not possess a license to carry firearms in Massachusetts, and is prohibited from obtaining one. Detective Matthew Correia was granted a search warrant, which detectives executed at Smith’s home.

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What Dartmouth Police Found Inside the Home

The search turned up:

• Two AR-15 style rifles with no serial numbers
• One AR-15 style magazine capable of holding 30 rounds (large capacity)
• One AR-15 style magazine capable of holding 10 rounds
• Multiple rounds of ammunition in various calibers
• Three 9mm magazines
• Miscellaneous firearms parts and accessories
• One 3D printer used to manufacture firearm parts and accessories
• Two USB drives suspected of containing programming software used to manufacture firearm parts and accessories
• One drill press used to manufacture firearm parts and accessories

Charges Filed Against Brendan Smith

Smith was later arrested and charged with:

• Two counts of possession of a firearm (rifle/shotgun) at home
• Two counts of possession of untraceable firearm (no serial number)
• Two counts of possessing/selling an assault weapon without a license
• Two counts of possession of a large capacity firearm
• Two counts of improper storage of a firearm
• Possession of a large capacity feeding device
• Possession of ammunition without an FID card
• 3D printer violations

Why Ghost Guns Concern Law Enforcement

“I commend the officers and detectives who responded swiftly to the disturbance, and uncovered evidence of illegal firearms manufacturing,” Dartmouth Police Chief Brian P. Levesque said. “The seizure of two unserialized AR-15 style rifles, high-capacity magazines, ammunition, a 3D printer, USB drives with suspected firearm design files, and related equipment, underscores our commitment to removing dangerous, untraceable ‘ghost guns’ from our community.”

“These privately made firearms pose a significant threat, as they evade serialization and traceability required for legal guns, often ending up in criminal hands,” Levesque said. “The Dartmouth Police Department prioritizes proactive enforcement against such operations, which enable the production of weapons without background checks or oversight.”

Investigation Ongoing

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Correia at (508) 910-1785.