CBP Seizure Of Suppressor From Hong Kong Leads To Cache Of Weapons And Explosives In Connecticut

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seizure of a concealed firearm suppressor imported from overseas led to the arrest of a Connecticut man and the seizure of dozens more firearms and explosives, the agency said.

CBP officers working international air cargo operations at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport inspected an inbound shipment from Hong Kong flagged as a high risk for possible contraband. They discovered a concealed firearm suppressor, also known as a silencer, which was falsely declared as automotive equipment.

The suppressor was seized and an investigation was launched. The intended recipient of the package was identified as 46-year-old Alexander Oranzo of Branford, Conn.

CBP shared that information with Homeland Security Investigations and the Branford Police Department, and a search warrant was executed at Oranzo’s residence on April 27.

During the search, officers seized 58 high-capacity magazines, 39 firearms, five suppressors, three sets of body armor, ammunition, and the explosive material Tannerite. According to the Branford Police Department, the New Haven Police Bomb Squad assisted in the removal of the “large quantity” of Tannerite.

Officers also found approximately eight ounces of marijuana, along with Alprazolam and Methadone.

“This is exactly the kind of major case that shows what is at stake in our cargo facilities every single day. From the very first officer who flagged this shipment, to our critical mission support staff who helped build the case, our entire CBP apparatus worked in lockstep with our Homeland Security Taskforce partners,” said New York Director of Field Operations Francis J. Russo. “This seizure prevented a dangerous cache of weapons and explosives from remaining hidden in our communities.”

Branford police said Oranzo is a previously convicted felon, and is thus prohibited from possessing firearms.

Oranzo was taken into custody, and now faces more than 100 weapons and drug charges. He was being held on $200,000 bond pending arraignment, which was scheduled for May 27.