By Trend News Line 2024-05-18 00:25:19.
Man Arrested for Attempting to Sell Cache of Guns to Undercover Agent
In a surprising turn of events, a San Antonio man named Luis Azael Berlanga has been arrested for allegedly attempting to sell a cache of high-powered firearms to an undercover federal agent in Laredo, Texas. The weapons included a grenade launcher and four modified “machine gun pistols,” all purchased in the Dallas area and delivered to Berlanga in San Antonio.
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Collaboration with Accomplice
Berlanga enlisted the help of Juan Jose Moreno Jr. to assist him in selling the illegal firearms. The duo found a potential buyer who they believed would pay $10,000 for the guns. They met the buyer at an address on the 4000 block of Zapata Memorial Highway in Laredo and displayed their arsenal, which included a variety of firearms such as Diamondback Firearms DB-15 pistols, Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 pistols, a Pioneer Arms Hellpup 7.62 mm pistol, and a 37 mm grenade launcher.
Undercover Agent Sting Operation
Unbeknownst to Berlanga and Moreno, the buyer was actually an undercover agent from the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agency. The agent inspected the firearms and confirmed that they were equipped with a drop-in auto-sear for continuous firing. As Berlanga was counting the $10,000 payment from the agent, a tactical team comprised of Laredo police Department, ATF, and Border Patrol moved in to seize the weapons.
Arrest and Charges
Upon further investigation, it was determined that the firearms indeed functioned as machine guns due to the auto-sears installed in them. Berlanga admitted during interviews that he knew the guns were modified to function as such and had driven from San Antonio to Laredo specifically to sell them. Moreno also confessed to assisting Berlanga in previous illegal gun sales, including one involving a Glock with a special switch for continuous fire.
Both Berlanga and Moreno have been charged with illegal possession of a machine gun. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for May 24 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga in Laredo.
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Conclusion
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal firearms trafficking and the importance of law enforcement efforts to combat such activities. The collaboration between Berlanga and Moreno highlights the need for vigilance in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in the illegal sale of weapons. As the case progresses through the legal system, the consequences of their actions will be determined, underscoring the severity of their alleged crimes..
– ATF seizes grenade launcher in Laredo
– ATF seizes machine-gun pistols in Laredo.
