A Tucson, Arizona man is facing serious consequences for attempting to smuggle guns into Mexico. Luis Carlos Martinez-Chacon, 35, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 12 months of supervised release, for his role in smuggling goods from the United States.
Martinez-Chacon pleaded guilty to one count of Smuggling Goods from the United States. He was discovered attempting to exit the United States and enter the Republic of Mexico at the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona, on June 29, 2022.
According to investigators, during a search of his vehicle, Customs and Border Protection officers found a 9mm Berretta pistol, a 9mm Glock 19 pistol, an FN57 rifle with a filed off serial number, a .45 caliber Colt M 1911, a Smith and Wesson 629 Classic .44 Magnum, a Magpul magazine (17 round capacity), two Berretta magazines (15 round capacity each), two FN57 magazines (20 round capacity each), two Colt 1911 magazines (seven round capacity each), 960 rounds of .223 Wolf ammunition, 880 rounds of .223 TUL ammunition, and six rounds of .45 caliber ammunition.
The items were hidden inside the dashboard and center console of the vehicle. Martinez-Chacon admitted he expected to be paid in exchange for delivering the firearms, magazines, and ammunition to an individual in Mexico.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah B. Houston, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
Martinez-Chacon’s case is a prime example of the serious consequences that come with attempting to smuggle firearms into Mexico. The Tucson man’s sentence serves as a warning to those who would attempt to engage in this type of activity.
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/.
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
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Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Category: Weapons Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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