Two Central Florida men will spend 11 years behind bars after authorities dismantled their operation that smuggled over 100 AK-47s and Glock handguns out of the United States.

At a Glance

• Derick Yamir Perez Diaz and Ernesto Vazquez were sentenced to 11 years in prison for gun trafficking and smugglin
• The operation involved over 100 firearms including AK-47 rifles, Glock pistols, and machine gun conversion devices
• Perez Diaz purchased guns from Stephen Easton, a licensed dealer who received 11 years and 8 months in prison
• Law enforcement found firearms, ammunition and grenades during a search of Vazquez’s residence
• Text messages revealed detailed planning of illegal gun purchases and smuggling operations

Major Gun Trafficking Operation Dismantled

The U.S. Department of Justice announced substantial prison sentences for two Central Florida men involved in an extensive gun trafficking operation. Derick Yamir Perez Diaz and Ernesto Vazquez each received 11-year sentences after pleading guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms.

According to court documents, the men orchestrated the purchase and smuggling of over 100 firearms out of the United States, including AK-47 assault rifles, Glock pistols, and Draco pistols, along with machine gun conversion devices that enable semi-automatic weapons to fire as fully automatic.

Extensive Network Included Licensed Dealer

The investigation revealed that Perez Diaz regularly purchased firearms from Stephen Easton, a federally licensed firearms dealer who was aware that Perez Diaz was dealing without the required license. Easton received a prison sentence of 11 years and 8 months for his participation in the illegal operation. Court records show that Perez Diaz acquired the firearms at the direction of Vazquez and others, creating a sophisticated supply chain that ultimately moved weapons out of the country through an unidentified smuggler.

The operation was particularly active between October and December 2023, during which time more than 100 Glocks and AK-47s were trafficked. Text messages obtained by authorities documented the planning and coordination between the conspirators. In one exchange, Perez Diaz asked, “It’s going to be all 40 Glocks?” to which Vazquez simply replied, “All of it.”

Arsenal Found During Investigation

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Vazquez’s residence in April 2024, discovering an alarming cache of weapons and military equipment. The search yielded multiple firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, and even grenades. This discovery underscored the serious nature of the operation and the potential threat it posed to public safety. Federal authorities have not disclosed the intended destination of the smuggled weapons or identified the individuals to whom they were ultimately sold.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about illegal gun trafficking operations that exploit legitimate firearms dealers and circumvent federal regulations designed to prevent dangerous weapons from falling into unauthorized hands. While the sentencing marks a significant blow to this particular operation, authorities continue to monitor similar activities throughout Florida and across the nation.

Legal Consequences for Gun Trafficking

Federal prosecutors emphasized that the substantial prison sentences reflect the seriousness of the crimes committed. Moving firearms across international borders without proper authorization violates not only domestic firearms laws but also international arms trafficking regulations. The sentencing of all three major participants in this conspiracy—Perez Diaz, Vazquez, and Easton—demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting those who facilitate the movement of deadly weapons outside legal channels.

The case serves as a reminder of the stringent enforcement actions facing those who attempt to circumvent U.S. gun laws. Federal investigations into similar operations continue throughout Florida, with authorities remaining vigilant about the illegal movement of firearms both domestically and internationally. The Department of Justice has not indicated whether additional arrests related to this specific trafficking network are forthcoming.