Cornelius Police Seize 26 Firearms, Altered Glock in Drug Raid

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Cornelius police executed a search warrant on a home and seized 26 firearms, including a Glock handgun that had been altered with a fully automatic conversion switch, along with large quantities of drugs and cash. The suspect, Jose Licona-Sanchez, was arrested and faces numerous state charges related to the illegal weapons and narcotics.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing concerns around the proliferation of illegal firearms, including modified semi-automatic weapons that can be converted to fire automatically. It also underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in combating the interrelated issues of gun violence and drug trafficking in local communities.

The details

During the search, police seized 13 pistols, 13 rifles and shotguns, 35 magazines (including 3 high-capacity drum magazines), and 1,577 rounds of ammunition. They also found large quantities of marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana edibles. The Glock handgun that had been modified with a conversion switch was classified as a 'weapon of mass destruction' under North Carolina law.

• The search warrant was executed on March 10, 2026.

What’s next

Prosecutors are expected to review the evidence before deciding on the final set of charges against Licona-Sanchez. The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Cornelius Police Department.