Feds dismantle Arizona-based firearms trafficking network
TUCSON, Ariz. — Twenty-one defendants have been indicted on federal criminal charges for their alleged role in a southern Arizona firearms trafficking ring suspected of attempting to smuggle 100 weapons and approximately 80,000 rounds of ammunition into Mexico over a six- month period, following a multiagency probe spearheaded by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The 59-count indictment, handed down earlier this month, charges the 21 individuals with various federal firearms offenses. Nineteen of the defendants were taken into custody over the last week on federal arrest warrants. The remaining defendants are being sought by federal agents.
According to the indictment, the defendants conspired to fraudulently buy firearms and ammunition in the United States, also known as straw purchases. They then attempted to smuggle the items into Mexico. The indictment accuses the defendants of illegal exportation; conspiracy; prohibited possession of firearms/ammunition; and various other firearms violations.
In addition to HSI and ATF, various state and local law enforcement agencies also assisted with the far-reaching probe. The investigation began in 2015 based on information obtained by the ATF shortly after the seizure of four firearms in Mexico.
“The attempt to illegally transport American firearms and ammunition into Mexico contributes to the ongoing violence south of the U.S. border, threatening the safety of citizens in both countries,” said Matthew C. Allen, special agent in charge for HSI Phoenix. “As this case makes clear, we’re allied in our efforts to target those who seek to profit by circumventing our nation’s laws without regard for public safety.”
“I’m extremely proud of the investigative efforts of our ATF agents and our HSI enforcement partners,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Thomas Atteberry. “This investigation disrupted a firearms trafficking ring that was operating in Arizona and supplying numerous weapons to criminals.”
The defendants have made their initial appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Tucson.
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