200 weapons seized as police arrest 3 in suspected fencing operation
Officers seized more than 200 weapons and arrested three people after a lengthy probe into an operation where police believe stolen weapons and other property was being traded for drugs.
Suspicious activity was noticed at a home in the 100 block of Pinelore Place N.E. in August, prompting police to investigate.
Police acted on a search warrant Oct. 1, finding a large stash of stolen property as well as cash, drugs and the weapons.
"It is believed the location was being used as a 'fence house' where stolen property was being traded for narcotics — mainly marijuana and cocaine," police said in a release.
Among the seized items were:
- Four modified shotguns, two of them loaded.
- More than 20 replica firearms.
- Four compound bows and one crossbow.
- 194 edged weapons, including sharpened swords and throwing knives.
- About $50,000 in stolen tools.
- Quantities of marijuana and cocaine.
The arrests are part of a wider response by police to the recent spate of violent crime in the city's northeast.
A 32-year-old man, a 24-year-old woman and a 41-year-old man each face multiple stolen property, drugs and weapons charges.
Police are now trying to return the stolen items to their owners.
