State and federal authorities have filed serious charges against a Philadelphia man accused of trafficking “ghost guns,” firearms that lack serial numbers. Following an extensive investigation involving multiple agencies, 25-year-old Zairre Hamlett faces six felony counts related to the illegal transfer and manufacture of firearms. The announcement was made by Dave Sunday, a representative from the investigation team, highlighting the collaborative efforts to combat this growing concern.
Hamlett was arraigned by police in Philadelphia, with bail set at $600,000. Investigators claim he engaged in numerous illegal sales of these unserialized firearms since October 2023. Surveillance operations reportedly captured multiple transactions involving five pistols, all allegedly devoid of serial numbers. Disturbingly, two of these firearms were equipped with illegal machine-gun conversion switches.
Details of the Investigation
A search warrant executed at Hamlett’s residence on Dauphin Street revealed additional concerning findings. Authorities uncovered firearms, including a 3D-printed privately made firearm, ammunition, and materials indicative of at-home firearm manufacturing. The presence of these ghost guns raises alarms about their potential to evade law enforcement tracking.
Sunday articulated the dangers posed by ghost guns, stating they represent a significant public safety threat. He emphasized that these weapons are specifically designed to bypass legal scrutiny, making it challenging for law enforcement to hold individuals accountable.
Officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) underscored the importance of this case as a demonstration of their coordinated efforts to dismantle illegal firearms pipelines. By taking action before these weapons can be used in violent crimes, authorities hope to mitigate the risks they pose to communities. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also confirmed its involvement, highlighting the interconnectedness of illegal firearms trafficking with broader criminal networks.
Community Impact and Response
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel remarked that each firearm removed from circulation equates to a potential act of violence averted. He, along with Abington Township Police Chief Patrick Molloy, commended the sustained interagency cooperation that led to disrupting this alleged trafficking operation.
The case will be prosecuted by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Drug Strike Force Section. It is crucial to note that all charges against Hamlett are allegations at this stage. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges posed by ghost guns in urban areas, prompting authorities to intensify their focus on illegal firearms sales. As investigations continue, officials encourage community awareness and vigilance in addressing this pressing public safety issue.
