Desk : Three men, including a Pakistani national, have been charged in the United States for allegedly attempting to smuggle 89 firearms from the US into Canada, federal authorities said.
According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the accused were identified as Malik Bromfield, 22, a Canadian citizen; Faizan Ali, 25, a Pakistani citizen; and Kamal Salman, 22, who reportedly holds citizenship in Canada, the United States and Jordan.
Investigators said the suspects were intercepted during a traffic stop conducted by New York State Police on State Route 90. Authorities became suspicious after the occupants allegedly provided inconsistent answers during questioning. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a large cache of firearms hidden inside luggage and other compartments.
Officials stated that the seized weapons included several short-barreled rifles, while at least 17 of the firearms had been reported stolen.
Federal prosecutors have charged the trio with multiple offences, including attempting to smuggle firearms out of the United States, unlawful dealing in firearms, transporting stolen firearms and illegal possession of weapons.
US Attorney Jay Clayton said the accused were allegedly involved in a cross-border gun trafficking operation that posed a major threat to public safety. He added that law enforcement agencies acted swiftly to prevent the weapons from reaching Canada.
The investigation is being carried out jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and New York State Police.
If convicted, the accused could face lengthy prison sentences under US federal law.