NEW YORK: A man who is wanted in California for alleged gun smuggling and concealment was arrested Friday and was ordered to return to the state to answer to the charges. The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a petition for writ of removal for Elmer Cuares.
On Sept. 14 in the Northern District of California, an indictment was handed down against Cuares on charges of concealing goods prior to exportation from the United States, smuggling goods from the U.S. and delivery of firearms to common carrier without written notice, court documents state. A warrant of arrest was issued for Cuares to be brought to San Jose, California, to answer to the charges.
In May 2015, Cuares allegedly concealed one Glock 42 .380-caliber handgun, one Ruger LC .380-caliber handgun, one STI .40-caliber handgun and one Spikes Tactical M-4 assault rifle.
The weapons are listed as “defense articles” under the Arms Export Control Act and require a person register and apply for and obtain an export license from the Department of State before exporting such firearms from the U.S.
Cuares never obtained a license or authorization to export the four firearms. He appeared in the District Court of Guam on Friday, and the court released him and ordered him to appear in California to answer to the charges.
