LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — The ATF seized 140 firearms and ammunition and found evidence of human trafficking in June at a home on Massapoag Road, south of Lincolnton, officials said in a news release.
The ATF believes the weapons were being sent to Mexico for the Sinaloa Cartel. Those firearms included two 50-caliber rifles and a machine gun.
“You could hear automatic gunfire,” said neighbor John Allison about the activity coming from the home.
The ATF said that the seized weapons are being analyzed to see if they’re connected to any crimes. They also believe multiple firearms may have been stolen.
“I think that’s a good cause, because weapons like that do not need to be on the street,” Allison said. “We do not need that in our community. Nowhere in the United States.”
A couple who live next door also said they heard gunfire on the property. They are glad the weapons are gone.
“I wouldn’t expect anything like that from them,” said Tom Ivey. “They do have a big families and parties over there all the time.”
Channel 9’s Dave Faherty spoke with the homeowner, and she denied the weapons were meant for the cartel.
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