Three men are facing federal charges after authorities seized dozens of firearms during a traffic stop in the Hudson Valley.
State police stopped a rented Ford Explorer Thursday for traffic violations, leading to the discovery of 89 guns, according to the U.S. attorney for New York’s Southern District.
The stop happened on Route 90 in Liberty.Authorities identified the men as Malik Bromfield, Faizan Ali and Kamal Salman.
Investigators said a suitcase packed with guns was found inside the vehicle. More firearms were discovered under one of the seats.
The men told police they were driving from Fort Lauderdale to Syracuse to visit family.
The U.S. attorney’s office said investigators do not believe that explanation. Authorities said the men were likely traveling to Canada to sell the weapons, prosecutors said.
None of the men are licensed firearms dealers. The U.S. attorney’s office said 17 of the 89 guns were reported stolen. The remaining firearms were legally owned.