Detectives recovered two semi-automatic handguns believed to be “community firearms” from an abandoned residence on Mill Street close to Slater Street on Tuesday night, according to police.

Police were conducting a drug investigation at about 10 p.m. in the area when detective sergeant Richard LaTrecchia and detective Pete Torres checked out an abandoned property to find a 45 caliber semi-automatic and a 9mm semi-automatic handguns under some debris inside the residence, said police director Jerry Speziale.

Detectives also seized a small amount of marijuana from the location. Speziale said the weapons will be submitted to a ballistics laboratory for further investigation.

Police said the weapons were hidden in a manner that is consistent with “community firearms.” Community guns are stashed in locations accessible by a group of criminals who utilize them to commit crime.

“The recovery of these firearms may have prevented a more serious incident,” said Speziale.