Palmetto State Armory is currently offering Labor Day deals, including a 50% discount on AR-15 rifles, 9mm ammunition for just 25 cents per round, and a .45mm Glock for $600. The Columbia-based manufacturer aims to sell as many AR-15 and AK-47 rifles as possible to put them into common use in America. However, these rifles have been linked to violence in Mexico, where the Mexican Army has recovered over 500 weapons manufactured by Palmetto over the past nine years.
The recent report “The Iron River of Weapons” sheds light on the trafficking of high-powered rifles from the U.S. to Mexico. The ATF data shows that firearms from cities like Houston and Tucson are making their way to Mexico, fueling violence and homicides. Despite efforts to regulate the market, these weapons continue to flow across the border, contributing to Mexico’s record-high murder rates.
Eyepix Group (Future Publishing via Getty Imag)
The report also highlights the role of individual buyers, known as straw buyers, who purchase guns one by one to avoid detection. With the Mexican government taking legal action against gun manufacturers, the need for stricter regulations becomes evident. The influx of firearms, including .50-caliber rifles capable of immense damage, poses a significant threat to public safety.
The Mexican Army arms itself
Recent data reveals that the Mexican Army has been acquiring large quantities of firearms, raising concerns about their intended use. Despite international norms prohibiting the sale of weapons to entities involved in human rights violations, weapons continue to flow into Mexico, exacerbating the violence plaguing the country.
Stop US Arms to Mexico advocates for tighter restrictions on arms sales abroad, similar to regulations within the U.S. The uncontrolled flow of weapons across borders underscores the urgency of addressing this global issue before it escalates further.
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