New Haven Bloods Member Busted with Ghost Gun, Drugs

NEW HAVEN, CT – Shavarius Smith, 21, of New Haven, is facing serious federal charges after a late-night traffic stop turned up a loaded “ghost gun,” heroin, and crack cocaine. The bust, announced today by Acting United States Attorney Leonard C. Boyle, ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson, and New Haven Police Chief Renee Dominguez, highlights the ongoing struggle against illegal firearms and narcotics flooding Connecticut streets.

According to court documents, New Haven Police officers discovered the illegal cache on October 8, 2021, at approximately 11:15 p.m. inside a stolen vehicle driven by Smith. The weapon, a 9-millimeter pistol without serial numbers – commonly referred to as a “ghost gun” – was equipped with a high-capacity 31-round magazine. Alongside the firearm, officers found quantities of heroin and crack cocaine consistent with drug distribution.

Smith’s already checkered past adds another layer of concern. Authorities confirmed he’s a known member of the Bloods gang and was on probation following a recent prison release on September 2, 2021. Adding insult to injury, he was actively monitored with a GPS ankle device as a condition of his probation. Despite being under surveillance, Smith allegedly continued his criminal activity, brazenly operating in a stolen vehicle with illegal weapons and drugs.

The indictment charges Smith with possession of ammunition by a felon, a federal offense carrying a maximum 10-year prison sentence. He also faces charges for possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine, which could land him up to 20 years behind bars. Federal prosecutors are emphasizing that a prior felony conviction makes simple firearm possession a serious crime under federal law, particularly when the weapon has crossed state lines.

“An indictment is not evidence of guilt,” Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle cautioned. “These are allegations, and Mr. Smith is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” Smith remains detained as the case progresses. The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Haven Police Department.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez, leveraging the Justice Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Longevity programs. PSN aims to reduce violent crime through targeted enforcement and community partnerships, while Project Longevity focuses on directly engaging with groups prone to violence, offering both consequences and opportunities for positive change. This case underscores the federal commitment to tackling gang-related crime and stemming the flow of illegal firearms into vulnerable communities.

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