3 arrested as agents bust gun and drug ring operating in Westchester

A total of 19 illegal guns were found, including a dozen ghost guns, during the 16-monthlong investigation.

News 12 Staff

Mar 16, 2023, 10:02 AM

Updated 569 days ago

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A major gun and drug ring with ties to Westchester County is no longer in operation, thanks to a take down by state and federal agents.
Authorities arrested three people as they recovered illegal guns trafficked from Massachusetts to New York. About a quarter of them were sold on the streets of Port Chester, according to officials.
A total of 19 illegal guns were found, including a dozen ghost guns, during the 16-monthlong investigation.
Ghost guns are unregulated firearms that anyone can buy, build, and use without a background check.
Eduardo Hernandez, Jose Garcia, and Euclides Castillo were all charged in the 123-count indictment.
Castillo, who was once employed by major gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson, used his prior work experience to explain to buyers how to compile and operate illegal guns, according to Attorney General Letitia James.
Garcia allegedly sold five illegal weapons from an unnamed location in the village between March 2021 and July 2022.
Hernandez faces up to 25 years in prison, Garcia up to 15 years, and Castillo up to seven years if convicted.
Village manager Stuart Rabin tells News 12 in a statement that Port Chester thanks James and other law enforcement for getting this significant threat off the streets.