AK-47 Smugglers BUSTED – 11 Years in Prison!

In a major gun trafficking case, two Central Florida men are facing 11-year federal prison terms that underscore the gravity of firearm smuggling offenses.

At a Glance

• Derick Yamir Perez Diaz and Ernesto Vazquez sentenced to 11 years for gun trafficking.
• The firearms included AK-47s and Glocks, trafficked internationally.
• Dealer Stephen Easton received an 11-year and 8-month prison sentence.
• A cache of ammunition and firearm accessories was discovered.

The Scope of the Operation

Two Central Florida residents, Derick Yamir Perez Diaz and Ernesto Vazquez, were found guilty in a gun trafficking case that involved the illegal acquisition and transportation of over 100 firearms to undisclosed international locations. These activities, noted for their meticulous planning, led to the duo receiving prison sentences of 11 years each. The sentencing is part of a larger investigation into illegal weapon smuggling networks.

The conspiracy involved Perez Diaz procuring firearms from federally licensed dealer Stephen Easton, who knowingly sold without a license. Easton received a sentence of 11 years and 8 months. The firearms, including AK-47 rifles and Glock pistols, were primarily supplied for smuggling from October to December 2023. Court records revealed detailed text exchanges between Perez Diaz and Vazquez, showing the logistics of these illegal transactions.

Key Players and Broad Implications

Stephen Easton, the firearms dealer, played a pivotal role by supplying over 100 weapons, aware of their intended destination. His participation sheds light on the critical role of licensed dealers in facilitating such illicit operations. Meanwhile, Vazquez was responsible for selling these weapons to a smuggler, emphasizing the large-scale nature and international scope of their trafficking effort.

“Two Central Florida men were sentenced to 11 years in prison for trafficking guns, including AK-47 assault rifles, to smuggle out of the country, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday.” – U.S. Department of Justice.

Their guilty plea to conspiracy charges underlines not only the seriousness of their crime but also the extensive resources devoted to the investigation. During the operation, a search at Vazquez’s residence uncovered more firearms, grenades, and substantial ammunition, indicating the likely potential for greater harm if unchecked.

Sentencing and Consequences

The sentences handed down to Perez Diaz, Vazquez, and Easton reflect the justice system’s firm stance on curtailing illegal firearm smuggling. This case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of enabling unlicensed individuals to acquire and traffic firearms, a crime with significant legal and societal ramifications.

“It’s going to be all 40 Glocks?” – Perez Diaz “All of it” – Vazquez.

Such operations threaten national security by potentially supplying high-power weapons overseas. The sentences deliver a stern message that attempts to deter future crimes and illustrate the need for stringent regulations in firearms transactions to prevent similar occurrences. The comprehensive investigation and resulting sentences mark a significant step in fighting unlawful firearm distribution.