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Federal Agents Take Down Illegal Gun Distribution Network In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Three people have been arrested after the ATF broke up an illegal gun distribution network. ATF special agent Steve Bartholomew said their mission is simple.

"Anytime we can stop guns from hitting the streets of Philadelphia, it saves lives."

Bartholomew says during a nine month investigation, they discovered a pipeline of illegal weapons coming from states in the south and being sold on the streets of Philadelphia.

"Stolen from homes and residences in Georgia and South Carolina and here in Pennsylvania," he said.

The three men, Darien Thompson, Omar Davenport and his brother Sekou Davenport are in custody and face a long list of federal charges.

"These individuals that illegally sell guns begin and are part of the cycle of violence," Bartholomew said. "They arm dangerous people who commit dangerous crimes."

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