Upstate man and two others sentenced to prison for international arms trafficking operation

GREENVILLE, SC (WSPA) – An upstate man and two others have been sentenced to federal prison for helping run an international gun trafficking operation.

Reuben Dunn of Anderson, Marlon Michael Bruff of Georgia and Ramaro Alsworth Higgins of California were convicted of purchasing firearms in several states and smuggling them into Canada.

An investigation was initiated in June 2021 when the Duncan Police Department stopped and searched a Sprinter van traveling north on Interstate 85. A search of the van revealed suitcases containing 73 guns, including 39 with numbers canceled serial.

Bruff was driving alongside the van in a separate vehicle and was not initially arrested.

Investigators also discovered hidden compartments in the van, which contained marijuana.

The driver told authorities she was transporting personal protective equipment for a business owned by Bruff, which authorities said was a front for criminal activity.

During the years-long investigation, law enforcement learned that Bruff, Higgins, Dunn and several others were involved in a scheme to purchase firearms in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. South.

The defendants conspired to smuggle the guns across the Canadian border, where many of them were recovered in violent crimes.

Members of the conspiracy also obtained marijuana from Canada, which was sold in the United States and used to finance the purchase of additional weapons.

Bruff and Higgins were also convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana. It was discovered during the investigation that the two men recruited straw buyers and traveled throughout the United States to transport the weapons and traffic marijuana.

In May 2021, the two individuals were arrested in North Carolina with over 20 pounds of marijuana and over $37,000.

Investigators later learned of Dunn's involvement when it was discovered that he had helped the organization by acquiring firearms, which the smugglers had recovered from his home in Anderson.

U.S. District Judge Donald Coggins sentenced Bruff to 10 years, Higgins to 4 years and Dunn to more than 2 years in prison.

All sentences must be followed by a three-year period of judicial supervision, according to authorities.

Four other defendants were also convicted and sentenced in connection with this case.