ATLANTA – Hundreds of guns bought in Georgia were confiscated in Pennsylvania in a large arms trade bust. ATF agents say five Georgians are now facing charges. “Firearms trafficking is the movement of firearms from the legal to the illegal market,” said ATF agent Matthew Varisco. Federal authorities say about 300 guns purchased at 2 dozen sporting goods stores and gun shows across Georgia were transported to Philadelphia to be sold on the streets. “Firearms trafficked to Philadelphia were marketed on the black market to individuals who could not legally purchase firearms,” said Jennifer Arbitier-Williams, a U.S. attorney general in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. ALL KNOWN ABOUT THE COWETA COUNTY GUN RANGE, ATF INVESTIGATION ATF agents say an Atlanta rapper, Frederick Norman, known as Slowkey Fred, personally bought many of these weapons. He is said to have worked with Brianna Walker also from Atlanta and 3 men from Villa Rica, Charles O’Bannon, Stephen Norman and Devin Church. The five, along with six others from Philadelphia, who agents say were part of the operation, sold the weapons on the black market for more than $ 100,000. “They know they can make a big profit from selling these weapons they acquired on the streets of Philadelphia,” said Agent Robert Cucinotta. BIDEN TARGETS TO GHOST VIOLENCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION, APPOINTS ATF LEADERS Authorities say buyers can either not buy a gun legally or may try to hide something. “It’s a good way to hide the suspicion around you if you are sourcing these firearms from another state,” said Agent Cucinotta. While many of the weapons have been recovered, there are dozens still missing, but agents say the bust sends a message. “This is what we do as an agency and we always look at this kind of crime. It might be a deterrent to others trying to make some money this way,” said Agent Cucinotta. These five Georgians are facing charges of conspiracy to smuggle firearms without a license. SEE: LIVE COVER FOX 5 NEWS
