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Three men in Laredo arrested after authorities discover weapons and narcotics in a targeted raid

Laredo, Texas – Three individuals, including a 31-year-old Laredo resident and two Mexican nationals illegally present in the United States, have been charged with multiple federal firearm offenses, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The charges stem from an undercover investigation that revealed illegal firearm sales and drug-related activity.

Investigation Uncovers Firearms and Narcotics

The month-long investigation led authorities to Jose Hernandez-Garza, 25, an illegal alien residing in Laredo, along with Fernando Patino Jr. and Alberto Garcia-Guajardo, 32. Authorities allege that Patino and Garcia-Guajardo were involved in the illegal sale of machine guns to undercover law enforcement, as well as the distribution of controlled substances, including cocaine.

On January 31, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence on the 3000 block of Monterrey Street in Laredo. When authorities entered the location, they found Garcia-Guajardo and Hernandez-Garza, along with multiple firearms, narcotics, and a scale. Both men were immediately taken into custody.

Legal Consequences and Potential Sentences

The three defendants are facing serious federal charges:

  • Garcia-Guajardo and Patino face up to 10 years in federal prison for possession of a machine gun.
  • Hernandez-Garza faces a maximum of 15 years in prison if convicted of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
  • Each defendant could also be ordered to pay up to a $250,000 fine if convicted.

Following his initial court appearance, Hernandez-Garza was ordered detained by U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos, pending further criminal proceedings. Patino and Garcia-Guajardo are set to appear in court on February 4.

Multiple Agencies Involved in the Investigation

The case was the result of a joint investigation conducted by several federal, state, and local agencies, including:

  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
  • Laredo Police Department
  • Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
  • Border Patrol and Border Patrol Tactical Unit
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Enforcement and Removal Operations
  • Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tory R. Sailer is handling the prosecution for the case.

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