U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport intercepted a concealed firearm suppressor in an inbound air cargo shipment from overseas, leading to an investigation in Connecticut that resulted in one arrest and the seizure of numerous firearms, high-capacity magazines, explosives, and other contraband on May 5.
The incident highlights the role of customs officers in preventing dangerous items from entering communities. The discovery began when CBP officers assigned to JFK’s international air cargo operations identified a shipment from Hong Kong as high risk for possible contraband. During inspection, they found a concealed firearm suppressor falsely declared as automotive equipment. The intended recipient was identified as Alexander Oranzo of Branford, Connecticut.
After sharing information with Homeland Security Investigations Hartford and the Branford Police Department, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Oranzo’s residence on April 27. Oranzo was taken into custody while officers seized additional contraband including dozens of firearms and explosives. Charges have been filed against him by the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.
“This is exactly the kind of major case that shows what is at stake in our cargo facilities every single day,” said New York Director of Field Operations Francis J. Russo. “From the very first officer who flagged this shipment, to our critical mission support staff who helped build the case, our entire CBP apparatus worked in lockstep with our Homeland Security Taskforce partners. Even in the face of a funding hiatus, our officers and support professionals have not slowed down for a moment in their duty to protect the United States. This seizure prevented a dangerous cache of weapons and explosives from remaining hidden in our communities.”
CBP officials say that advanced targeting technology along with interagency partnerships are key tools used at ports across the country to detect smuggling attempts.
The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection report ongoing efforts under current leadership to stop illegal weapons and illicit narcotics from entering American communities.
