Warning: Don't be lured into 'straw purchasing'

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- From handguns, to assault rifles, to modified military-style guns, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives say they are seeing an increasing number of the weapons falling into the wrong hands.

Special agents with the ATFs Southeast Texas Field office gathered at Hot Wells Shooting range to demonstrate dozens of weapons that are being trafficked and confiscated in and around the Houston area.

"Guns going from Houston area down to Mexico," said S.A.C. Robert Elder with the ATF.

Agents say Houston has become a hot spot for "straw purchasing," which is when a felon or someone who cannot purchase a gun legally recruits someone to make the gun purchase for them. Investigators say those illegally obtained weapons often end up on the black market or in the hands of Mexican drug cartel members.

Agents say they are seeing a lot of young people being recruited into straw purchasing operations. Investigators say those individuals are lured into the criminal practice with promises of quick money.

"If you get caught, you are going to have a criminal record, because we are going to prosecute you, and you are going to ruin your life," Elder said.

The ATF is reminding members of the public that straw purchasing is a felony and they are vigilantly going after anyone engaging in the illegal activity.

Gun related crimes may be reported to 1-800-ATF-GUNS.