Mexican Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Smuggling Cache of Rifles and Machine Gun Components

A Mexican man has been sentenced to over seven years in prison for smuggling an extensive array of weapons into Mexico, including machine guns and numerous semi-automatic rifles and pistols. Jesus Angel Vasquez Balganon, 33, was handed an 85-month prison term during a hearing on November 21 by U.S. Chief District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps. Following his prison sentence, he will serve three years of supervised release, as announced by a spokesperson from the Justice Department.

Vasquez pleaded guilty to charges of firearm smuggling and international money laundering earlier this year. According to court documents, as part of his plea deal, he agreed to forfeit $97,229, encompassing the estimated value of the weapons and additional transfers made to Mexico.

From March 2018 until January 2021, Vasquez orchestrated the smuggling operation, which came to a halt on April 6, 2021. U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted him as he attempted to enter Mexico with nine 30-round magazines concealed in a shopping bag. He later confessed to officers that he knew the magazines were present and had been compensated $100 for this illegal operation.

His smuggling activities included a diverse assortment of firearms, ranging from AK-47s and AR-15 variants to sophisticated models like the H&K MP5 and FN SCAR 17. In addition, Vasquez smuggled 6,000 ammunition links specifically designed for U.S. military machine guns, which are critical components for weapons like the M60 and M249, both notable for their high rates of fire.

Many of the smuggled firearms were accounted for by law enforcement in Mexico. A report released earlier this year revealed that over 2,200 firearms linked to violent crimes in Mexico and Central America originated from gun stores in Pima County, Arizona. The study recorded traceable firearms from across the United States, with nearly 40 percent traced back to Texas, while Arizona accounted for 17 percent.

The report indicated a significant rise in firearm recoveries in Mexico, suggesting heightened efforts by Mexican officials to trace weapons linked to crime. The Justice Department noted that all items Vasquez attempted to export were on the United States Commerce Control List, thus prohibited without a valid export license.

In addition to weapon smuggling, Vasquez admitted transferring over $20,000 from a U.S. bank to a Mexican institution to further his illegal activities. This investigation, conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, emphasizes the ongoing U.S. efforts under Project Safe Neighborhoods, targeting violent crime reduction and arms smuggling into Mexico.

Recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection highlights the ongoing issue, revealing the interception of firearms and ammunition amounting to nearly 1 million rounds during fiscal 2024. CBP’s focus remains sharp on arms smuggling cases, following a trend of escalating violence in Mexico linked to drug cartels.

Amid rising concerns about gun trafficking, the Mexican government has initiated lawsuits against U.S. gun stores and manufacturers, aiming to address the influx of illegal firearms responsible for violence in Mexican society. Both countries continue to navigate the complex landscape of gun control and trafficking, with the Mexican government calling for more robust actions from their U.S. counterparts.