Abel Airam Franco Garcia, Smuggling Goods, Arizona 2024

PHOENIX, Ariz. – In a disturbing case of gun smuggling, 22-year-old Abel Airam Franco Garcia, a Mexican citizen, was sentenced to 37 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Franco Garcia previously pleaded guilty to Smuggling Goods from the United States. The sentencing took place on Monday by United States District Judge Steven P. Logan.

On June 25, 2024, Franco Garcia was stopped at the San Luis, Arizona Port of Entry as he tried to leave the United States. A search of his car led to the discovery of four firearms, six magazines (including two high-capacity magazines), ammunition, and suspected fentanyl.

Franco Garcia admitted that he had driven to Phoenix earlier that day, and that individuals were paying him to transport the firearms to Mexico. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Goldberg, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. This case is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of gun smuggling in our region.

The exact criminal charges against Franco Garcia were Smuggling Goods from the United States. He was sentenced to 37 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. The case number is CR 24-01250-PHX-SPL, and the release number is 2025-051. Franco Garcia’s full name is Abel Airam Franco Garcia, a 22-year-old Mexican citizen.

This case highlights the importance of community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, is committed to making our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

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