Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
Hoover, William. 2008 ‘Statement of William Hoover Before the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.’ US House of Representatives. Washington, DC: 7 February
Relevant contents
There is more than enough evidence to indicate that over 90 percent of the firearms that have either been recovered in, or interdicted in transport to Mexico, originated from various sources within the United States.
An in-depth, comprehensive analysis of firearms trace data over the past three years shows that Texas, Arizona and California are the three most prolific source states, respectively, for firearms illegally trafficked to Mexico. In FY 2007 alone, approximately 1,112 guns which originated in Texas, Arizona and California were submitted for tracing from Mexico. For all other U.S. States in FY 2007, approximately 435 guns were submitted for tracing from Mexico.
It should be noted, however, that although the greatest proportion of firearms trafficked to Mexico are originating out of the U.S. States along the Southwest border (namely Texas, Arizona and California), ATF trace data has established that cartels are also acquiring firearms from other States as far east as Florida and as far north and west as Washington State …
Until recently, the DTO's "weapons of choice" had been .38 caliber handguns. However, recent trace data of firearms seized in Mexico and "Stateside" interdictions of firearms bound for Mexico shows that cartel members and enforcers have now developed a preference for higher quality, more powerful weapons. The most common of these firearms now includes the Colt AR-15 .223 caliber assault rifle, the AK-47 "type/variant" 7.62 caliber assault rifle, FN 5.57 caliber pistols (better known in Mexico as the "Cop Killer"… or "Asesino de la Policia"). In conjunction with the dramatic increase in U.S. source firearms that have either been recovered in Mexico, or interdicted prior to reaching Mexico, ATF also routinely seizes small arms and assault rifle ammunition destined for Mexico. ATF has also seized large quantities of .50 caliber ammunition for use in high-caliber weapons …
Last accessed at:
http://foreignaffairs.house.gov/110/hoo020708.htm