Jonen Castillo, Firearms Exportation, Florida 2023

ORLANDO, FL – A 23-year-old Orlando man is facing federal charges for allegedly running guns across the border to Canada. Jonen Castillo was indicted this week, accused of illegally exporting firearms from the United States between June 10 and June 29, 2023. If convicted, Castillo could spend up to 10 years behind bars.

According to the indictment, Castillo attempted to conceal and ship the weapons north of the border, a clear violation of U.S. law. Federal investigators are already moving to seize five firearms allegedly involved in the scheme: one Smith & Wesson and four Glocks. The government intends to forfeit these weapons if Castillo is found guilty.

The case was spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The investigation details haven’t been released, but sources suggest the operation was flagged during routine border checks. Authorities are tight-lipped about how the firearms were initially obtained, fueling speculation of a larger network at play.

U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida announced the indictment, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges. “Smuggling firearms to Canada poses a significant threat to public safety,” Handberg stated in a press release. “We will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to profit from such dangerous activities.”

This case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The Department of Justice launched a revamped PSN strategy in 2021, focusing on building trust, supporting community organizations, and prioritizing strategic enforcement.

Castillo is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Hu is prosecuting the case. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available. The indictment serves as a stark reminder of the constant flow of illegal weapons and the challenges facing border security.

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