Mexico Sues Arizona Gun Dealers In New Arms Smuggling Lawsuit

MEXICO CITY – Mexico’s government filed a lawsuit against five Arizona gun dealers on Monday accusing them of participating in illicit weapons trafficking, a Mexican official told Reuters, in a push to hold retailers responsible for the deadly trade.

Mexican leaders have for years blasted illegal arms smuggling from the United States, with military-style guns often turning up at deadly crime scenes in the country.

Legal adviser Alejandro Celorio said in an interview that the new lawsuit focuses on sales of firearms to “straw” purchasers, or to customers who purchase the weapon for someone else.

The new civil lawsuit, a copy of which was seen by Reuters, names as defendants Sprague’s Sports Inc; SnG Tactical, LLC; Diamondback Shooting Sports, Inc; Lone Prairie, LLC, D/B/A Hub Target Sports; and Ammo A-Z, LLC.