Feds Seize 200 Weapons from Busted Smuggling Ring

SAN ANTONIO (AP) – U.S. authorities say young housewives who bought assault rifles from Texas gun dealers are among nearly two dozen charged in an alleged plot to smuggle firearms into Mexico.

The Department of Justice said Wednesday that more than 200 weapons have been seized. The guns include AK-47s and sniper rifles. Federal agents said they were bound for Mexican drug cartels.

During a news conference in San Antonio, the Justice Department trumpeted the arrests as a “big hit” in stopping the flow of guns to Mexico. Authorities also said the suspects successfully moved three shipments of guns into Mexico before being caught.

Authorities said 22 people have been arrested. Nine defendants have already been sentenced. More are scheduled to be in court later this month.

PAUL J. WEBER Associated Press

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