GREENVILLE, S.C. – In a major blow to international gun trafficking, Marlon Michael Bruff, 37, of Fairburn, Georgia, Ramaro Alsworth Higgins, 35, of Los Angeles, California, and Reuben Dunn, 32, of Anderson, South Carolina, were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a gun trafficking operation that smuggled guns into Canada from multiple southern states.
Evidence presented to the court revealed that the defendants bought guns in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, and smuggled them across the border into Canada, where several of the guns were recovered in connection with violent crimes. The investigation also found that the defendants obtained marijuana from Canada and sold it in the United States to fund the purchase of additional guns.
The scheme was uncovered in June 2021 when an officer with the Duncan Police Department stopped a Sprinter van traveling north on Interstate 85. A search of the van revealed 73 pistols, including 39 guns with obliterated serial numbers. The driver claimed the van was transporting personal protective equipment (PPE) for APA Logistics, a company owned by Bruff.
Bruff and Higgins were also convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana. In May 2021, they were stopped in North Carolina with over 20 pounds of marijuana and over $37,000 in cash. Dunn assisted the organization by acquiring guns, which the smugglers picked up from his home in Anderson, South Carolina.
“South Carolina will play no part in illegal gun trafficking,” said Adair F. Boroughs, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “Our office will continue to work to ensure the safety of our community and our neighbors.”
United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins sentenced Bruff to 120 months in prison, Higgins to 48 months in prison, and Dunn to 27 months in prison, with all of the sentences to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.
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Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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