LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Two Alabama men appeared in Laredo federal court on charges of trafficking more than 300 weapons, ammunition and magazines in what authorities described as a significant cartel-related smuggling operation.

48-Year-old Emilio Ramirez Cortes, a Mexican citizen, who legally resides in the United States, and his son, Edgar Emilio Ramirez Diaz, made their initial appearances in Laredo federal court and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing set for October 31.

Both are charged with smuggling firearms, ammunition, magazines and other firearms accessories as well as trafficking of firearms.

On October 23, two vehicles appeared to be driving in tandem and approached the Juarez-Lincoln Port of Entry in Laredo, according to the complaint. The charges allege Diaz

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