– ATF seizes grenade launcher in Laredo
– Machine-gun pistols seized by ATF in Laredo.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – In a dramatic sting operation, two men were apprehended in Laredo, Texas, for allegedly trying to sell a collection of high-powered firearms to an undercover federal agent. The suspects, identified as Luis Azael Berlanga and Juan Jose Moreno Jr., were found in possession of a grenade launcher and four modified “machine gun pistols.”
According to court documents, the firearms were originally purchased in the Dallas area and subsequently delivered to Berlanga in San Antonio. Berlanga then enlisted Moreno’s help to assist in the sale of the weapons.
The duo located a potential buyer who was willing to pay $10,000 for the guns. They arranged a meeting at an address on the 4000 block of Zapata Memorial Highway in Laredo, where they showcased their arsenal to the buyer. However, unbeknownst to them, the supposed buyer was an undercover agent from the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agency.
During the meeting, the agent inspected the firearms, which included a range of pistols and a grenade launcher. The agent confirmed that the pistols were equipped with a drop-in auto-sear, allowing for continuous firing.
As Berlanga was counting the money received from the agent, a tactical team comprising members of the Laredo Police Department, ATF, and Border Patrol swooped in. The team seized the firearms, verified the presence of auto-sears, and conducted tests demonstrating that the weapons functioned as machine guns.
Following further investigations, Berlanga confessed to knowing that the pistols were modified to function as machine guns. He admitted to driving from San Antonio to Laredo with the intention of selling the firearms. Moreno also disclosed that he had previously assisted Berlanga in selling a Glock pistol with a special switch for continuous fire.
Both men have been charged with illegal possession of a machine gun and are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 24 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga in Laredo.
.
1. ATF seizes grenade launcher
2. Machine-gun pistols in Laredo.
