ATF intercepts 140 firearms purchased for Mexican drug cartel

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) this week initiated a search warrant that led to the seizure of 140 firearms investigators believe were intended to be delivered to a Mexican drug cartel.

ATF received information that a Mexican cartel source had a large cache of weapons stored in the North Carolina area and was attempting to smuggle the firearms into Mexico on behalf of the Sinaloa cartel.

"This investigation pulls the plug on an extremely dangerous firearms trafficking operation" said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. "The firearms the source planned to smuggle across the border would have fueled more violence from a dangerous cartel. To have those firearms in our custody is a major win for public safety on both sides of the border."

ATF Special Agents, along with DEA Special Agents, confirmed that the firearms were stored at a residence connected to the cartel source in Lincoln County. With the assistance of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the Union County Sheriff's Office, the Catawba County Sheriff's Office, and the Monroe Police Department, a search warrant was initiated, resulting in the seizure of 140 firearms, including two .50 caliber rifles and at least one machine gun. Investigators also recovered ammunition and evidence of firearms and human trafficking.

The seized firearms are being examined and tested though ATF's National Integrated Ballistic Information Network to identify any possible connections to area crimes. Multiple firearms are believed to have been stolen. This is an on-going investigation.

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ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ , Instagram @ATFHQ , LinkedIn @ATF , and Facebook @HQATF , or on the web at www.atf.gov .