Authorities arrested an alleged gun smuggler who operated in San Antonio and in Hidalgo County.
Federal court records indicate Enrique Razo Sr. was taken into custody Sunday on a sealed indictment charging him with conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States, making false statements during a firearm purchase and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
That indictment alleges that between Feb. 1, 2020 and Oct. 21, 2021, Razo conspired to smuggle at least 200 firearms that he bought in San Antonio, New Braunfels and Kyle into Mexico through the Hidalgo port of entry.
“Defendant typically purchased these firearms as part of a multiple sale, meaning that Defendant acquired two or more firearms at one time or during any five consecutive business days,” the indictment said. “The firearms that Defendant purchased during these multiple sales, frequently had the same make, model, or caliber.”
Federal prosecutors from San Antonio allege Razo lied on the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Form 4473 – a firearm transaction record form – claiming he was the actual buyer of the weapons.
“After purchasing multiple firearms Defendant would travel to Mexico, usually within a week of his most recent purchase,” the indictment stated. “Defendant would cross into Mexico at the Hidalgo International Port of Entry, usually on a Friday or Saturday, and would usually return to the United States the following Monday.”
The indictment also notes that Mexican law enforcement has since recovered two of the weapons he allegedly purchased and smuggled into Mexico.
When Razo would return to the United States, prosecutors said he deposited bulk cash into his bank account in Pharr and New Braunfels, and that those deposits correspond with the amount of money he spent on guns.
Between Feb. 1, 2020 and Oct., 2021, he deposited about $112,000 in cash into his bank account, according to the indictment.
That document presents numerous instances in which prosecutors allege he received cash deposits and bought weapons from pawn shops and gun stores in the San Antonio area.
Razo made a first appearance Wednesday in McAllen federal court in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis, who ordered him temporarily held without bond pending future court proceedings.
He is expected to be extradited to federal court in San Antonio.
