LUFKIN, Texas — An Angelina County Sheriff's deputy arrested a woman Wednesday suspected of engaging in multi-national arms smuggling.
Jahtaya O'Day Jah-Kiara Hamilton, originally from Ontario, Canada, is currently in the Angelina County Jail after being detained for possession of a prohibited weapon.
Hamilton was a passenger in a Lyft ride that was pulled over for speeding. Upon the discovery of a marijuana odor within the car, the deputy searched the vehicle, finding two large bags in the trunk.
Hamilton claimed both bags belonged to her, and upon a search, officials found 20 handguns, magazines, ammunition and a short barrel rifle. Multiple pistols found in the bags were reported stolen within the Houston area. It is both a state and federal felony to have a short barrel rifle.
Deputies determined Hamilton had flown into Houston, obtained the guns, and was planning to bring them back to Canada. The Lyft ride was supposed to take her to Little Rock.
It is unknown where she acquired the guns.
Both Hamilton and the guns are awaiting the arrival of federal authorities form the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, who will also aid the deputies in the investigation.
The Lyft driver was cited and released.
“The discovery of these stolen weapons has obviously prevented them from falling into the hands of criminals and street gangs," Angelina County Sheriff Tom Selman said. "Lives probably have been saved by these guns not finding their way to cites somewhere in the U.S. or Canada. Illegal arms are valuable commodities and command large sums of money outside the U.S. and pose a clear danger to both civilians and law enforcement officers.”
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