Simi Valley, CA — A 45-year-old Southern California man is facing a long list of charges after authorities reportedly uncovered a massive weapons cache — including over 125 firearms, suppressors, 100,000+ rounds of ammunition, and psilocybin mushrooms — at his home and in his vehicles, officials announced.
Tip Leads Investigators to Large Weapons Collection
The investigation into Luke Bancroft, 45, began in the fall of 2024 when the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office received reports that he may have been purchasing weapons outside California and bringing them into the state illegally.
That tip prompted local and federal authorities to launch a joint investigation into Bancroft’s firearms activity, which led them to his residence on the 1800 block of Wallace Street in Simi Valley.
Discovery of More Than 125 Firearms and Illegal Accessories
During their search, detectives found what they described as an “extensive collection” of weaponry and ammunition. The haul included:
- Over 125 firearms, with 14 classified as assault weapons under California law
- A short-barreled shotgun
- Two firearm suppressors
- Unregistered firearms
- Hundreds of magazines
- More than 100,000 rounds of ammunition
- Psilocybin mushrooms, considered a controlled substance in California
Authorities say these discoveries confirm suspicions that Bancroft was attempting to bypass state firearm regulations by purchasing weapons and ammo in other states.
Traffic Stop Reveals More Violations
The investigation escalated on November 4, when detectives conducted a traffic stop on Bancroft. During the stop, officers reportedly located two loaded handguns, both unregistered in California, inside his vehicle.
Officials noted that Bancroft did not possess a concealed carry permit, adding another potential violation to the growing case against him.
Evidence of Attempts to Circumvent California Gun Laws
Investigators said they recovered documents and transaction records indicating Bancroft had bought multiple weapons and large quantities of ammunition across state lines. Authorities believe he intentionally attempted to avoid California’s strict firearm regulations.
The seized ammunition alone — over 100,000 rounds — was described as “far beyond typical personal use,” according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Bancroft Arrested, Then Released on Bail
Although the man did not immediately appear in public jail records, officials said he was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. He later posted bail and was released pending further court action.
List of Charges Bancroft Now Faces
Authorities have filed numerous charges against Bancroft, including:
- 14 counts of possession of an assault weapon
- 2 counts of possession of a silencer
- 2 counts of carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle
- 1 count of possession of a short-barreled rifle
- 1 count of possession of a controlled substance
As of now, officials said no court date has been set.
Case Raises Ongoing Questions About Out-of-State Firearm Purchases
California enforces some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and investigators say this case underscores persistent challenges in preventing individuals from acquiring weapons across state borders.
Authorities have not indicated whether anyone else may face charges or whether additional suspects are involved.
More details are expected as the case moves forward.
What do you think about large-scale weapons investigations like this one? Should penalties be harsher for illegally importing firearms into California?
Drop your thoughts in the comments — let’s talk.
