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Customs and Border Patrol officers seize 240 blank guns from Turkey destined for Bucks County

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia seized 240 blank firing pistols Friday, May 28, that could easily be converted into handguns.
The seized pistols were appraised at more than $19,000 and were destined to an address in Bensalem.
CBP officers initially inspected the shipment on April 29, after it arrived in air cargo from Turkey. The shipment was manifested as “sporting blank gun” and consisted of 620 suspect blank firing guns of various models. Officers detained the shipment and consulted with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The ATF regulates the importation of firearms.

Based on a previous test, ATF agents determined that the 240 Zoraki model M2906 pistols could be converted into a firearm. According to 18 USC 921(a)(3), a firearm is considered to be any weapon, including a starter pistol, which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.
CBP officers seized the 240 Zoraki pistols destined to an address in Bensalem for violating U.S. import laws, and released the remaining 380 blank firing guns.
“Many communities continue to suffer under the siege of violent crimes often committed by armed and dangerous people, so keeping this shipment of easily converted firearms out of the hands of criminals is one way in which Customs and Border Protection can protect our families, friends and neighbors and help make our streets safer,” said Keith Fleming, acting director of field operations for CBP’s Baltimore Field Office.


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