Mexico Sues U.S. Gun Makers

The Mexican government late last week sued 10 major US gun companies, alleging lax controls contribute to the illegal flow of weapons across the southern border, Danilo Uria reported for United Press International (UPI).

Photo Insert: Seized firearms in a police armory

The suit filed in federal court in Massachusetts accuses the companies of actively facilitating the flow of firearms to drug cartels in the past decade as more than 2.5 million American guns have illegally crossed into Mexico with 70% of guns traced in the country tracked back to the US.

"For decades, the government and its citizens have been victimized by a deadly flood of military-style and other particularly lethal guns that flows from the US across the border," the lawsuit states.

The suit specifically cites Smith & Wesson, Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Beretta USA, Beretta Holding, Century International Arms, Colt Manufacturing Co., Glock, Inc., Glock GmbH, Sturm, Ruger & Co. and gun supplier Witmer Public Safety Group.

It states that these manufacturers "are conscious of the fact that their products are trafficked and used in illicit activities" in Mexico.

"Nonetheless, they continue to prioritize their economic benefit and use marketing strategies to promote weapons that are ever more lethal without mechanisms of security or traceability," the lawsuit said.

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