August 5, 2021
In federal court, Mexico has filed suit alleging reckless business practices that supply so-called illegal arms to Mexican drug cartels. The lawsuit names Smith & Wesson, Barrett Firearms, Colt's Manufacturing Company, GLOCK Inc, Sturm, Ruger, & Co, and others.
"What's the objective? That the companies in question compensate Mexico's government for the damage caused by their negligent practices," Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said at a news conference about the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts."
Companies needed to put an immediate stop to their harmful practices, Ebrard said, noting that the court would decide what damages should be paid. He spoke after Mexican officials told reporters the lawsuit sought an estimated $10 billion.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation Inc (NSSF) said it rejected Mexico's claims that U.S. manufacturers were negligent in their business practices.
"The Mexican government is responsible for the rampant crime and corruption within their own borders," Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF's senior vice president, said in a statement. He said cartels use guns taken illegally to Mexico or stolen from Mexican military and law enforcement.
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