The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced today that Sourivahn Phonthepsone, 24, a Canadian citizen, was sentenced to over seven years in federal prison for conspiring to traffic 50 firearms from the U.S. to Canada.
Phonthepsone’s conviction follows a federal investigation that uncovered his plan to smuggle firearms for resale across the border, according to DOJ officials.
“Firearm traffickers present a danger to communities everywhere, both nationally and internationally,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to work with federal law enforcement partners to dismantle gun trafficking operations and prosecute those who jeopardize public safety.”
ATF Assistant Agent in Charge Alicia D. Jones added, “This conviction is a significant victory in the fight against international firearms trafficking. Our agents executed a meticulously planned operation, ensuring that dangerous weapons never made it into criminal hands.”
According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the court heard that over a three-month period in 2023, Phonthepsone conspired with several individuals to purchase 50 firearms from a source in Atlanta, Georgia, for $40,000, with the intent of smuggling the weapons to Canada for resale.