ATF tries to curb straw purchases

HOUSTON Seventy-one billboards are going up across our region to warn about illegal gun sales, specifically straw purchases. That's when someone purchases a gun for another person who shouldn't own one. Agents are hoping to send a message to convicted felons and gun runners who traffic guns to Mexico.

"With Houston being the number one source of firearms that are recovered and traced in Mexico in the state of Texas, and our Houston field division being the vision, it's very appropriate for us kick off the Don't Lie For The Other Guy campaign here in Texas," said Dewey Webb of the Houston ATF.

Anyone convicted of the crime faces up to 10 years in prison. The ATF is working with retailers to help them spot straw purchases.

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