Texas Man Convicted of Attempted Export of Firearms to Mexico

Jose Rafael Vasquez of Dallas was convicted by a federal jury for attempting to ship firearms, magazines and ammunition to Mexico, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas said in a July 1 news release. Vasquez attempted to enter Mexico Oct. 15, 2020, through the Laredo Port of Entry carrying the firearms, magazines and ammunition in his vehicle. He was carrying three AK-47 rifles, eight semi-automatic handguns, 16 handgun magazines and about 4,700 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. Trial testimony indicated that senior members of Mexican criminal organizations highly valued these weapons, the release said.