McAllen man convicted of illegally purchasing .50 caliber weapon for Mexican drug trafficking organization

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 24-year-old legal permanent resident has pleaded guilty to conspiring to straw purchase a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Javier Sebastian Vazquez-Ponce admitted he recruited another individual to purchase a .50-caliber semi-automatic rifle on his behalf, knowing the firearm was intended for trafficking and use by a drug trafficking organization in Mexico.

On Dec. 2, 2025, authorities identified a suspicious attempt to purchase a .50-caliber rifle using approximately $10,000 in cash.

They determined Vasquez-Ponce and others crossed into Mexico shortly after placing the order and returned approximately two days later to retrieve the firearm. Law enforcement immediately took them into custody at that time.

The investigation also recovered text messages detailing the scheme and referencing additional firearm trafficking activity.

As part of his plea, Vasquez-Ponce admitted the money for the purchase originated from the Gulf Cartel in Mexico.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos will impose sentencing May 13. At that time, Ramos faces up to 25 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Vazquez-Ponce remains in custody pending his sentencing hearing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Bird and Izaak Bruce are prosecuting the case.