International Firearms Traffickers Sought in ATF’s “Operation Castaway”

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Tampa Field Division is seeking the public’s assistance in locating two fugitives who are wanted for federal firearms trafficking violations. Both subjects are considered armed and dangerous and may have fled the country.

ATF has obtained federal arrest warrants for Antonio Ruiz-Varela, (DOB: 12/01/1987); and Manuel Dejesus Carrasco-Ruiz, (DOB: 07/03/1969), both Hispanic males.

Ruiz-Varela and Carrasco-Ruiz are wanted in connection with an investigation of a violent international firearms trafficking organization in central Florida. The organization trafficked a variety of firearms including semi-automatic handguns and AR-15 style short-barreled rifles. Several of the firearms have been found in the hands of violent criminal elements within Puerto Rico and throughout Central and South America.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Ruiz-Varela and Carrasco-Ruiz should contact ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS.