Omar Arriojas, Illegal Firearms Export, Florida 2023

FORT MYERS, FL – A Cape Coral man is headed to federal prison after a brazen attempt to ship illegal firearms and ammunition to Venezuela was uncovered by federal agents. Omar Arriojas, 57, was sentenced to 18 months behind bars by U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber after pleading guilty on June 28th to charges of attempting to smuggle goods from the U.S. and making a false statement during a firearms acquisition.

The scheme unraveled in January 2023 when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents flagged a suspicious package destined for Venezuela. Inside, cleverly concealed within a large, used air conditioner, were three handguns, multiple handgun magazines, and a staggering 50+ rounds of ammunition. Arriojas never obtained the required special license to legally export such weapons, a clear violation of federal law.

Federal investigators say Arriojas attempted to bypass regulations by hiding the firearms within the bulky appliance, hoping to avoid detection. The ruse failed. CBP agents meticulously examined the shipment, quickly discovering the hidden cache of weaponry. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) then took over the investigation, building a case against Arriojas.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Simon R. Eth prosecuted the case, presenting evidence that led to Arriojas’ guilty plea. The investigation highlights the ongoing efforts to stem the flow of illegal firearms across borders and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. Authorities are keen to emphasize the danger posed by individuals attempting to circumvent established export controls.

This case is part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. PSN brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, alongside community organizations, to address the root causes of crime and improve public safety. Launched in May 2021, the program focuses on fostering trust within communities, supporting violence prevention programs, and strategically prioritizing enforcement efforts.

The sentencing of Omar Arriojas sends a clear message: those who attempt to illegally export firearms will be held accountable. The ATF and CBP continue to work diligently to intercept these shipments and bring perpetrators to justice, protecting both domestic and international security. The Tampa Field Division of the ATF led the investigation.

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