ATF Agents Break Up Arms Trafficking Chain Including Weapons Purchased In Georgia
Five Georgians have been charged with an arms operation involving weapons purchased in Georgia and sent north to Philadelphia.
ATLANA – Hundreds of weapons purchased in Georgia were confiscated in Pennsylvania in heavy arms trafficking. ATF agents say five Georgians are now facing charges.
“The trafficking of firearms is the movement of firearms from the legal to the illegal market,” said ATF agent Matthew Varisco.
Federal officials say about 300 weapons purchased at 2 dozen sporting goods stores and gun shows across Georgia have been transported to Philadelphia to be sold on the streets.
“Firearms illegally traded in Philadelphia are being made available on the black market for people who can’t legally buy guns,” said Jennifer Arbiter Williams, a U.S. attorney for the Eastern Pennsylvania County.
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ATF agents say Atlanta rapper Frederick Norman, known as Slowkey Fred, personally bought many of these weapons. They say he also worked with Brianna Walker from Atlanta and three men from Villa Rica, Charles O’Bannon, Stephen Norman and Devin Church. The five, along with six others from Philadelphia who agents say are part of the operation, sold the weapons on the black market for more than $ 100,000.
“They know they can make a lot of money selling these weapons on the streets of Philadelphia,” said Agent Robert Cucchinota.
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Authorities say buyers are either unable to buy weapons legally or may be trying to hide something.
“It’s a good way to cover up your suspicions if you get these firearms from another state,” said Agent Cucchinota.
Although many of the weapons have been found, there are dozens that are still unknown, but agents say the bust sent a message.
“This is what we do as an agency and we always look at these types of crimes. Maybe this will be a deterrent for others who are trying to make some money that way,” said Agent Cucchinota.
The five Georgians are accused of plotting to trade in unlicensed firearms.
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