The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has scored a major victory in the war against illegal firearms with the seizure of a massive cache bound for Mexico’s drug cartels. Since President Trump’s inauguration, the ATF has intercepted an alarming total of 36,277 illegal guns and over two million rounds of ammunition.
Of those seized, 4,359 firearms were destined for violent drug cartels in Mexico. This averages to more than 1,600 rounds per day that have been kept out of the hands of criminal organizations. The ATF’s aggressive nationwide effort has dismantled domestic and international networks supplying arms to violent criminals.
ATF Deputy Director Robert Cekada emphasized the breadth of the issue: ‘Illegal crime guns increasingly originate from every state in the country. This is not a southwest border problem, it is a national threat.’ The agency’s focus is clear: dismantle networks, cut off weapons access, and hold criminals accountable.
Since January 20, 2025, ATF agents have been relentless in their pursuit of gang members, cartels, and transnational criminal organizations. Through advanced crime gun intelligence and partnerships with state and local law enforcement, the ATF identifies and prosecutes violent offenders while safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding constitutional rights.
With this recent seizure, the ATF continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting America’s communities from the devastating effects of illegal firearms. Learn more about the ATF’s efforts at www.atf.gov.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release ↗
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