Federal authorities say they have dismantled a firearms trafficking ring operating in Arizona and Mexico.
A grand jury has indicted 21 people for conspiracy to illegally purchase weapons, among other charges.
“The investigation’s defining aspect is that it includes the whole gun trafficking ring.” From the fraudulent straw purchasers in Phoenix to the firearms buyer in Mexico and every smuggling link in between,” said Timothy Courchaine, U.S. attorney for Arizona, at a press conference Tuesday.
A task group of agencies, including the ATF and Homeland Security Investigations, spearheaded the years-long study.
Over 125,000 rounds were seized.
“Our law enforcement partners seized approximately 5,000 pounds (two and a half tons) of ammunition. “That’s a lot of ammunition,” said A.J. Gibes, special agent in charge of the ATF in Phoenix.
Authorities also seized over 100 firearms, including at least one. 50-caliber rifle.
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