Click the play button on the video window to the right to see the storyAgents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms laid out an arsenal of firepower taken off the streets of Phoenix.
Dozens of military style guns covered several tables. 23,000 rounds of ammunition sat in five boxes nearby.
All of it, agents said, was going to be sold to violent gangs in Mexico.
“This is just two weeks worth of work and this is several different cases just in Phoenix,” said William Newell, an ATF Special Agent in Charge.
It's just the latest success in a series of seizures involving high caliber, assault weapons taken off the streets.
As scary as the guns may be, Newell said he is also worried about a new threat looming across the border.
“We're seeing an alarming increase in the amount of hand grenades being seized,” said Newell.
Law enforcement officers in Mexico are now finding military grenades.
In Nogales, Mexico, seven fragmented grenades were seized at a at a Mexican Military checkpoint in November.
“Guns in the hands of violent criminals is a serious concern. Hand grenades in the hands of violent criminals is an even greater concern,” said Newell.
Newell admits he’s concerned the grenades could make their way into Arizona and the Valley.
“Sure it's a likelihood. There's nothing to say it wouldn't happen. Drug cartel's don't respect any borders.”
The grenades are powerful but not explosive like you see in the movies. Newell said they won’t likely blow up an entire home but shrapnel could kill or cause serious injuries to anyone nearby.
On Monday, President-elect Barack Obama met with Mexican President Felipe Calderon to, in part, talk about the escalating violence that continues to spill into the United States.
“The violence in Mexico is here. People say it could potentially spill over. It's already here. Look at the violence in Phoenix and Tucson – the kidnappings and home invasions,” said Newell.
Last month, Department of Justice called Mexican drug cartels the biggest organized crime threat to the U.S.
ATF agents continue to see proof of why.
