1. ATF seizes grenade launcher in Laredo
2. ATF seizes machine-gun pistols in Laredo.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – A San Antonio man, Luis Azael Berlanga, has been arrested in connection with a scheme to sell a collection of high-powered firearms, including a grenade launcher and modified “machine gun pistols,” to an undercover federal agent at the border in Laredo, Texas.
The weapons, which were purchased in the Dallas area and delivered to Berlanga in San Antonio, were intended to be sold to an individual for $10,000. Berlanga enlisted the help of Juan Jose Moreno Jr. to assist in the sale of the firearms, according to court records.
Attempted sale thwarted by law enforcement
Acting on a tip, law enforcement officials were able to intercept the transaction before it took place. The undercover agent, posing as a potential buyer, met with Berlanga and Moreno at an address on the 4000 block of Zapata Memorial Highway in Laredo.
During the meeting, the agent inspected the firearms, which included a variety of pistols and a grenade launcher. It was determined that the pistols were equipped with a drop-in auto-sear, allowing for continuous firing.
Arrest and charges
Following the inspection, as Berlanga was counting the money from the agent, a tactical team comprising members of the Laredo Police Department, ATF, and Border Patrol moved in to make the arrest. The firearms were seized, and tests confirmed that they functioned as machine guns.
Both Berlanga and Moreno have been charged with illegal possession of a machine gun. They are set to appear for a preliminary hearing on May 24 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga in Laredo.
Confessions and further investigations
During interviews with investigators, Berlanga admitted to knowing that the pistols had been modified to function as machine guns. He confessed to driving from San Antonio to Laredo with the intention of selling the firearms.
Moreno, on the other hand, revealed that Berlanga had offered him $100 to assist in the sale. He also disclosed that he had previously helped Berlanga sell a Glock pistol with a special switch for continuous fire.
The investigation into the case is ongoing, with authorities looking into the source of the firearms and any potential links to illegal arms trafficking networks.
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ATF seizes grenade launcher machine-gun pistols Laredo.
