United States authorities seized 138 firearms that were allegedly trafficked illegally to Mexico, as a result of an undercover operation carried out in North Carolina, reported the US ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson.

According to the diplomat, among the seized arsenal were two .50 caliber Barrett rifles, high-powered weapons capable of piercing armor and frequently used by organized crime groups.

The operation was possible thanks to intelligence work that made it possible to detect the attempted transfer of the shipment before it crossed the border.

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“Every weapon seized is one less weapon in the hands of criminals, making our two nations safer,” he said.

The US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) later revealed in a press release that the weapons are linked to the Sinaloa Cartel.

Although the authorities did not report any detainees, the operation represents one of the most important weapons seizures recently announced in the United States with presumed destination in Mexican territory.