The ghost guns—privately made firearms without a serial number—were part of nearly 1,500 guns taken statewide last year through an only-in-California program called the Armed and Prohibited Persons System (APPS).

A statement issued by the Office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta said that the APPS database works to identify individuals who procured firearms and later became prohibited from legally owning them.

In general, prohibited persons in APPS include individuals who were convicted of a felony or violent misdemeanor, were placed under a domestic violence or other restraining order, or suffer from serious mental illness, the statement said.

During the release of the APPS 2022 annual report, Bonta said he will continue to uphold his commitment to combating the rise of gun violence in California.

"I'm proud of the work our Special Agents do on behalf of the people of California. These brave agents are rarely in the spotlight, but they are working every day to prevent gun violence from ever happening by removing dangerous weapons from communities," Bonta said.

"When guns are in dangerous hands, it puts the public at risk. We will continue working with the Governor's Office, Legislature, and our local partners to address gun violence."