COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Columbus Field Division held a press conference to highlight its recent efforts in combating the trafficking of firearms to Mexico.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas Greco says that in the last four years, cartels have used guns from the United States to create networks throughout the United States to buy, sell, and engage in illegal activities like gun trafficking, fentanyl trafficking, and human smuggling.
“We remain committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to follow the trail of guns and disrupt the flow of firearms to criminals.”
So far in 2025, the ATF, across the country, says they have initiated 15,825 violent crime cases and seized:
18,286 firearms13,031 firearms parts and accessories1,161,501 rounds of ammunition13,304 assorted explosives
“We use serial number data to find out where the firearms were purchased,” said Greco.
Some of the weapons displayed by the Columbus ATF included: Ohio Ordinance M2 .50 caliber, FN M240 7.6mm, FN M249 5.56, and the Barrett M82 .50 semi-automatic rifle. Cartels rely on specific firearms, such as those large caliber ones, to facilitate, expand and protect their criminal enterprise, the ATF said.
