US Customs Officers Seize .50-Caliber Machine Gun In Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Federal authorities conducting a cargo inspection in Detroit say they found a .50-caliber machine gun being taken to the U.S. from Canada.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Field Operations announced Thursday that the gun was seized May 13 during an inspection at the Fort Street Cargo Facility.

Officials say a commercial cargo van arrived with only a copy of an electronic manifest saying it held gun parts and no invoice to describe the cargo.

Officers seized the assembled gun — which was manufactured by an Ohio company —  saying the shipment wasn't handled in compliance with federal rules.

Authorities said the importer is being fined and the gun was returned to Canada.

Officials urge those who plan to move weapons across international borders to familiarize themselves with import laws.

"Both CBP and the importing community have a shared responsibility to maximize compliance with laws and regulations. CBP encourages importers to be familiar with applicable laws and regulations, especially when there are specific requirements related to a particular commodity" said Rod Blanchard, CBP Port Director in Detroit, in a statement.

Importers and travelers can visit www.atf.gov for importation information for firearms.

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