Edger Edmund Francis, Arms Trafficking, Florida 2018

Tampa Man Sentenced for Smuggling Guns to Dominica

Tampa, Florida – In a shocking display of disregard for international law, Edger Edmund Francis, 29, was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States. Francis pleaded guilty on April 23, 2018.

According to court documents, on September 22, 2016, Francis rented a U-Haul truck and drove it from Tampa to a shipping company in Riviera Beach, Florida. In Riviera Beach, Francis arranged to ship a barrel containing three handguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, concealed among various household goods. The barrel was destined for Roseau, Dominica, and records showed that Francis had bought the household items from a store in Tampa, just before making the trip.

Francis never applied for, or received, an export license or other written prior approval to ship the guns or ammunition outside of the United States. The brazen move was only discovered when the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force searched the barrel on or about October 26, 2016, and found the guns and ammunition hidden inside.

“This case is an example of HSI’s dedication to stopping smuggled weapons before they fall into the hands of criminals who pose a threat to public safety both here and abroad,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.

The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, including its Attaché Caribbean, with assistance from the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force. Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs prosecuted the case.

Francis, who faces 10 months in federal prison, is a prime example of the dangers of arms trafficking. The consequences of his actions could have been catastrophic, and it’s only a matter of luck that the guns and ammunition were intercepted before they could cause harm.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following international law and regulations when it comes to exporting goods. It’s a lesson that Edger Edmund Francis will have to live with for the next 10 months.

In conclusion, the sentencing of Edger Edmund Francis is a wake-up call for anyone considering arms trafficking. The consequences are severe, and the risks are very real. We urge all individuals to be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding the export of goods, and to take the necessary precautions to avoid falling foul of the law.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/arms-trafficker-sentenced-illegally-shipping-handguns-dominica