Federal authorities announced the arrest of three men accused of transporting dozens of firearms through New York in an alleged attempt to smuggle them into Canada.
The suspects — Malik Bromfield, 22, Faizan Ali, 25, and Kamal Salman, 22 — were arrested after New York State Police stopped a white Ford Explorer on State Route 17 in the town of Liberty, New York, on May 7, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
Investigators said officers recovered 89 firearms from the vehicle, including at least 17 reported stolen weapons.
The three men appeared in federal court in White Plains before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy and were ordered detained.
Traffic stop led to firearm discovery
According to federal prosecutors, state troopers stopped the SUV after observing traffic violations.
Troopers said the occupants gave inconsistent and evasive answers during questioning. During a roadside search, investigators alleged Ali was found carrying an expired Pakistani national driving permit belonging to another person concealed on his body.
Authorities later conducted a search of the SUV after a police canine alerted to the possible presence of narcotics.
During the search, troopers found a heavy suitcase allegedly containing a large cache of firearms. Additional firearms were recovered from the backseat area of the vehicle, prosecutors said.
Federal officials said the weapons included short-barreled rifles and stolen firearms.
Multiple federal charges filed
All three defendants were charged with:
Bromfield also faces an additional charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien.
If convicted, some charges carry maximum prison sentences of up to 10 years. The alien firearm possession charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years.
Federal agencies announce arrests
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said prosecutors will continue targeting illegal firearms trafficking.
“As alleged, Malik Bromfield, Faizan Ali and Kamal Salman were caught transporting more than 80 guns, including short-barreled rifles and stolen firearms, to smuggle them out of the country,” Clayton said in a statement.
The investigation involved the FBI, ATF and New York State Police.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. said the defendants allegedly “endangered our communities” by attempting to transport the firearms into Canada.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo said the seizure helped prevent dozens of firearms from reaching the streets.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office White Plains Division.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: 89 guns seized in New York during alleged smuggling attempt to Canada
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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