A major operation smuggling over 100 “military-grade” firearms to Mexican drug cartels was busted by federal agents, as revealed in court documents.
On March 20, five individuals were apprehended in Texas and charged with the illegal procurement of weaponry for the purpose of trafficking them across the border into Mexico.
The operation sought to equip cartels with advanced firearms, including FNH SCAR rifles, Barrett .50 caliber rifles, and other potent weapons known for their effectiveness in combat and high operational cost.
The mastermind of this operation, Gerardo Rafael Perez Jr., planned to deliver these to cartel factions in Tamaulipas and Nuevo Laredo in Mexico.
Four others were also implicated as “straw purchasers” — individuals who buy weapons intended for others who are unable to buy them directly.
The straw purchaser strategy came to light after a bipartisan gun safety bill passed two years ago banned the practice.
The unraveling of this operation began early last year when a gun sale was blocked in San Antonio under suspicious conditions.
Arrests began in March, with Mendoza, Ibarra, and Corona being taken into custody.
The remaining two were arrested later in the year in Laredo, Texas, where authorities uncovered a substantial weapons cache and ammunition.
The accused, all under the age of 30, now face a 14-count federal indictment with charges that could result in extensive prison terms if they are convicted.
The charge of conspiracy to traffic firearms carries a 15-year prison term, while conspiracy to engage in straw purchasing carries a maximum sentence of 25 years.
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