Thirteen charged over cross-border gun-trafficking operation
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Concord, New Hampshire — Federal prosecutors announced this week that 13 people were charged or pleaded guilty in an international gun-trafficking operation that moved firearms from New Hampshire into Canada through New York and Akwesasne tribal land. The investigation traced purchases at licensed dealers and recruitment in Keene and Vermont, identifying at least 51 firearms trafficked between 2021 and 2024. U.S. Attorney’s Office and ATF statements on May 14, 2026, say five defendants pleaded guilty while others were indicted and that several weapons were recovered at Canadian crime scenes tied to kidnapping and attempted murder. Officials said prosecutions will proceed in federal court and that cross-border coordination with Canadian authorities remains ongoing this week.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- 2021: Operation begins; purchases at licensed New Hampshire dealers reportedly start.
- 2021–2024: Purchasers recruited in Keene and Vermont obtain firearms for prohibited persons.
- Investigators trace transfers through New York and Akwesasne tribal land into Canada.
- Several trafficked firearms recovered at Canadian crime scenes linked to violent offenses.
- May 14, 2026: Authorities announce charges, guilty pleas, and evidence including 51 tracked firearms.
Why This Matters to You
This gun-trafficking operation impacts your safety. Firearms trafficked across borders can end up in the wrong hands, leading to violent crimes. It's a reminder to be vigilant about where and whom you buy from. Always verify a seller's license and report suspicious activity.
The Bottom Line
Thirteen people are facing charges for an international gun-trafficking operation. Authorities have traced 51 firearms and linked them to serious crimes in Canada. The fight against illegal gun trafficking is ongoing. Worth forwarding if you know someone who values community safety.
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U.S. and Canadian law enforcement benefited through disrupted trafficking networks, evidence collection, indictments and guilty pleas that support prosecutions and cross-border cooperation.
Communities and victims in Canada suffered from trafficked firearms being recovered at violent crime scenes, eroding public safety and community trust near the border.
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Thirteen charged over cross-border gun-trafficking operation
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