In Laredo, federal prosecutors have achieved convictions of two undocumented individuals involved in producing and distributing machine guns and cocaine. One had already pleaded guilty earlier this year, while the other faced trial this week, leading to a jury’s unanimous guilty verdict.
After a short deliberation, a federal jury determined that 33-year-old Carlos Alberto Garcia Guajardo was guilty of a dozen charges associated with the illegal sale and possession of machine guns linked to a prior federal indictment. His sentencing is set for next year, with the possibility of a prison term ranging between 30 years to life.
The case traces back to December 2024 when officers from the Laredo Police Department, along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, were conducting an undercover operation. This investigation included the purchase of a Glock pistol modified with a switch for converting it into an automatic weapon. Court records indicate that the investigators interacted with Fernando Patino Jr., identified by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an illegal immigrant from Mexico, prohibited from possessing firearms.
In January 2024, Patino connected the undercover agent with Garcia-Guajardo, who claimed to have a firearm available and offered it for $1,100. A few days later, authorities acquired another Glock with the switch for $1,200.
Shortly after, agents arranged to buy more handguns, including ten Glocks equipped with switches, alongside various quantities of cocaine. A subsequent search of the men’s residence revealed multiple firearms, narcotics, and scales, as reported by federal prosecutors.
Court documents noted that both Garcia-Guajardo and Patino were in the U.S. unlawfully and lacked the legal authorization to possess firearms. Moreover, they did not have the necessary federal permits to manufacture or own machine guns or automatic firearms. ATF investigators mentioned that they had fitted a switch enabling the Glock pistol to operate as a machine gun.
Patino has already pleaded guilty and is anticipated to receive a reduced sentence in a hearing scheduled for next year.
