Federal Officials Recover Ammunition Headed South

12K rounds of ammo found

Updated: Wednesday, 16 Mar 2011, 6:20 AM MDT
Published : Wednesday, 16 Mar 2011, 6:20 AM MDT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Three men face federal charges of trafficking firearms and attempting to smuggle thousands of rounds of ammunition into Mexico.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said the lead defendant Ruben Arnulfo Chavarin of Tucson faces seven trafficking-related charges including unlawful export, false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm, transfer of ammunition to a prohibited person and possession of ammunition by an illegal alien.

Prosecutors said Chavarin's co-defendants face two counts each of arms trafficking.

Court documents show Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents became suspicious that Chavarin had made illegal purchases at licensed Tucson gun stores, and that he and his co-defendants were attempting to smuggle ammunition and firearms into Mexico.

The U.S. Attorney said a search of Chavarin's vehicle at the Douglas border crossing Feb. 11 led to the recovery of 12,000 rounds of ammunition.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/im ... 3-03162011