By Trend News Line 2024-05-18 00:32:52.
The Incident in Laredo
In a shocking turn of events, two men have been arrested in Laredo, Texas, for attempting to sell a cache of high-powered firearms to an undercover federal agent. The men, identified as Luis Azael Berlanga and Juan Jose Moreno Jr., brought the guns, which included a grenade launcher and modified “machine gun pistols,” from San Antonio to Laredo with the intention of making a sale.
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The Sale Gone Wrong
The men arranged a meeting with an individual they believed would pay them $10,000 for the guns. Little did they know, the buyer was actually an undercover Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent. The agent inspected the firearms, which included a Diamondback Firearms DB-15 pistol, two Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 pistols, a Pioneer Arms Hellpup 7.62 mm pistol, and a 37 mm grenade launcher. It was alleged that the pistols were equipped with a drop-in auto-sear for continuous firing.
The Arrest
As Berlanga was counting the money he received from the agent, a tactical team from the Laredo police Department, along with the ATF and Border Patrol, swooped in. The team seized the guns, verified the presence of auto-sears, and conducted tests to confirm that the firearms functioned like machine guns. Both Berlanga and Moreno were taken into custody and charged with illegal possession of a machine gun.
Admission of Guilt
During interviews with investigators, Berlanga allegedly confessed that he knew the pistols had devices installed to make them function like machine guns. He admitted to driving from San Antonio to Laredo with the intention of selling the firearms. Moreno also allegedly confessed to assisting Berlanga in previous gun sales, including one involving a Glock with a special switch for continuous fire.
Legal Proceedings
The two men are set to face a preliminary hearing on May 24 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga in Laredo. They have been charged with illegal possession of a machine gun, a serious offense that carries significant penalties.
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Conclusion
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the illegal firearms trade. The swift actions of law enforcement in apprehending these individuals undoubtedly prevented potential harm and saved lives. The legal process will now determine the fate of Berlanga and Moreno, as they face the consequences of their alleged actions..
ATF seizes grenade launcher in Laredo
Machine-gun pistols seized in Laredo.
