BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. -- Two former Broward County residents are accused of exporting AR-15 parts to Argentina.
On Wednesday, authorities arrested 60-year-old John James Peterson and 67-year-old Brunella Zuppone for their alleged involvement with an international weapons smuggling group based out of Argentina.
According to court documents, Peterson and Zuppone illegally exported thousands of AR-15 parts from the U.S. to the Argentine smuggling group without a required license from the U.S. Department of State.
Authorities from both the United States and Argentina conducted a series of search warrants and confiscated over 189 long arms, 156 handguns, one mortar round, one hand grenade, over 30,000 rounds of assorted caliber ammunition, five vehicles and $110,000 in cash. Authorities said they confiscated enough parts to make up over 50 AR-15 assault rifles.
Peterson and Zuppone were both charged with conspiracy to violate the AECA and ITAR, as well as attempts to illegally export to Argentina defense articles.
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