The Mexican government has begun a criminal investigation into a controversial Justice Department gun probe, The Brownsville Herald reported.
Officials in the office of Mexico’s attorney general said last week that the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives could be subject to legal sanctions as a result of “Fast and Furious,” which allowed guns to be smuggled into Mexico without the Mexican government’s knowledge. The statements come after revelations that the operation, known as “Fast and Furious,” allowed guns to end up in the hands of suspected gunrunners.
The program has come under intense scrutiny after weapons linked to the program were found at the scene of the murder of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry in December. Jamie Avila, who has been identified as a straw purchaser of guns, was arrested at the scene. Mexican officials have requested information about the case. They also left open the possibility of attempting to extradite local officials in Mexico who may be involved in weapons trafficking.
