Rise in Illegal Weapons Trafficking
Monday , July 09, 2007 Posted: 07:13 PM


Guns at 6

AK-47 reportedly weapon of choice

MCALLEN - US Customs officers are seeing an increase in illegal weapons trafficking.

"As far as I know, Mexico does not manufacture weapons, especially handguns or shoulder weapons like rifles," says Felix Garza of Customs and Border Protection.

He says a rise in border violence is increasing the demand for the weapons.

Custom agents seized AK-47 rifles and thousands of rounds of ammo last week.

Garza tells NEWSCHANNEL 5, "We've had several incidents where we've actually seen a larger amount of weapons, ammunition, and accessories."

State police in Mexico confirm the AK-47 is the preferred gun used across the border. They say drug cartels and traffickers like the weapon's speed and ease to use.

NEWSCHANNEL 5 asked US Customs agents about the confiscated weapons. They tell us those weapons are sent to another federal agency for destruction.

http://www.newschannel5.tv/2007/7/9/974 ... rafficking