Two men from Alabama have been charged with trafficking more than 300 weapons, along with ammunition and magazines, announced Attorney General Pamela Bondi and U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei on Tuesday.
Emilio Ramirez Cortes, 48, a Mexican citizen who legally resides in the United States, and his son, Edgar Emilio Ramirez Diaz, have made their initial appearances in Laredo federal court and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing set for October 31.
Both are charged with smuggling firearms, ammunition, magazines and other firearms accessories as well as trafficking of firearms.
"Disrupting the illegal flow of weapons into Mexico is a key part of our whole-of-government approach to dismantling the cartels," Bondi said. "This significant seizure represents our commitment to protecting Americans from brutal cartel violence."
On October 23, two vehicles appeared to be driving in tandem and approached the Juarez-Lincoln Port of Entry in Laredo, according to the complaint. The charges allege Ramirez Diaz was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe with Alabama license plates, followed by his father in a Chevrolet Silverado with Mexican license plates. Both vehicles were allegedly hauling enclosed white box utility trailers.
The criminal complaint alleges authorities found false walls in both trailers, which resulted in the discovery of well over 300 rifles and pistols, as well as various caliber ammunition and magazines.
According to court records, Cortes and Diaz were smuggling the weapons and related items in exchange for payment and had done so on multiple occasions. Court records didn't specify which area of Alabama Cortes and Diaz are from.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
