Argentina announces large seizure of weapons

Argentine authorities have seized about 1,000 guns and hundreds of explosives from an international criminal gang, officials said Thursday, calling it the largest seizure of its kind in the country’s history.

The security ministry said in a statement that the weapons were smuggled into Argentina from the U.S. and Europe. The magazines were purchased in Spain and the Netherlands and sent in containers aboard ships. They were then sent by land to neighboring Brazil and Paraguay. Officials have not identified the gang involved

About 50 raids on homes, offices and armories were also carried out nationwide and 17 people have been detained in an operation aided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The seized firearms include AK-47s, Browning machine guns and more than 30,000 bullets of various calibers. Authorities also confiscated about $166,000, mines, night vision goggles and a 20mm anti-aircraft gun.