U.S. federal authorities say they have dismantled an international firearms trafficking network accused of smuggling dozens of illegal weapons from New Hampshire into Canada through the Akwesasne territory.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, investigators uncovered a cross-border pipeline that allegedly moved at least 51 firearms into Canada, several of which were later recovered at violent crime scenes in Quebec linked to organized criminal activity.
Officials allege the trafficking operation relied on “straw purchasers” in New Hampshire and Vermont who illegally bought firearms from licensed dealers on behalf of others prohibited from purchasing weapons.
Eight individuals are facing federal charges connected to the conspiracy, while five others have already pleaded guilty.
Speaking at a press conference in Concord, New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan warned that illegal firearm purchases can place dangerous weapons in the hands of violent offenders operating on both sides of the border.
Authorities said some of the trafficked guns were seized during investigations into kidnappings and organized crime cases in Montreal and other parts of Quebec.
The investigation is being led jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations and the Sûreté du Québec, with support from the Canada Border Services Agency.
Court records identify Justin Jackson of Vermont as a central figure in the trafficking network. Prosecutors allege Jackson coordinated straw purchasers after losing his legal right to buy firearms due to a domestic violence conviction.
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