by A 2023 traffic stop in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, uncovered a cache of 65 handguns hidden in a rental vehicle trunk, bound for Canada.
The driver, Durante King-Mclean, 26, has pleaded guilty and faces up to 15 years in prison for illegal firearms trafficking.
What Happened
In September 2023, Pennsylvania State Police stopped a rental car driven by Durante King-Mclean in Franklin County. Inside the trunk, officers found 65 handguns, each concealed inside socks. King-Mclean attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.
Among the weapons discovered were:
| Weapon Detail | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fully automatic guns | 2 |
| Stolen guns | 11 |
| Guns with obliterated serial numbers | 1 |
Key Details
- King-Mclean is a Canadian national who had been staying at an Airbnb in Florida before renting the vehicle.
- The firearms were illegally purchased and destined for Canada.
- He was also implicated in a high-profile $22.5 million gold and currency theft from Air Canada’s cargo terminal at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport in April 2023.
- The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced his guilty plea on Wednesday for conspiring to traffic firearms illegally.
- Sentencing could include up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
Reactions or Statements
Eric J. DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division, stated:
“King-Mclean’s international firearms trafficking scheme had 65 guns destined for the hands of violent criminals and other prohibited people who threaten their communities.
ATF’s highest priority is reducing violent gun crime, and thanks to our cooperative efforts, this action kept dozens of crime guns off the street — preventing them from being used in any number of killings and other crimes.”
Investigation or What’s Next
Authorities from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Harrisburg Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and Homeland Security collaborated on the investigation.
Sentencing will be scheduled following the court proceedings. This case highlights ongoing efforts to intercept illegal firearms trafficking and combat violent crime.
FAQs
Q1: How were the guns discovered?
A: The firearms were found during a traffic stop when police searched the rental car’s trunk.
Q2: What types of guns were involved?
A: The haul included 65 handguns, two of which were fully automatic, and several stolen firearms.
Q3: What charges does King-Mclean face?
A: He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms illegally and faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Q4: Was King-Mclean involved in other crimes?
A: Yes, he was linked to a $22.5 million heist at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport cargo terminal in April 2023.
Q5: Which agencies worked on this case?
A: The ATF Harrisburg Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and Homeland Security all took part.
Summary / Final Takeaway
The discovery of 65 illegally trafficked firearms during a Franklin County traffic stop prevented a significant shipment of guns from reaching Canada.
Durante King-Mclean’s guilty plea underscores the critical role of law enforcement collaboration in fighting international firearms trafficking and violent crime.
