The firearms were purchased on behalf of Castro, who would then sell the firearms for profit. On March 31, 2026, Emmanual Rabena-Velderrain of Mexico, pleaded guilty to Attempted Smuggling of Goods from the United States. In her plea, Alvarez admitted to entering the United States with a non-immigrant visa and traveling to Phoenix to pick up three M249 rifles and a Colt pistol. On May 13, 2026, Alejandro Rodriguez and Maricruz Carrillo, both of Phoenix, pleaded guilty to Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition. A conviction for Smuggling Goods Outside the United States carries a maximum penalty of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, or both.