A federal court has sentenced Shem Wayne Alexander, a 36-year-old from Port of Spain, Trinidad, to four years and nine months in prison for leading a conspiracy to smuggle firearms from the United States to Trinidad and Tobago. Alexander was also ordered to forfeit the firearms seized during the offense after pleading guilty. He was extradited from Jamaica to face prosecution in the United States.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa led the investigation into Alexander’s activities. According to HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Pagitt, “Homeland Security Investigations works diligently to dismantle transnational criminal organizations such as these, which engage in firearms smuggling. It is more than just a matter of enforcing laws — it is a commitment to safeguarding communities both at home and abroad. This successful investigation and prosecution demonstrate the critical role law enforcement collaboration plays to disrupt the networks that fuel violence and instability in the Caribbean and around the world. Removing these weapons from the hands of dangerous criminals protects public safety and upholds the integrity of our borders.”
Court records show that between April 2019 and April 2022, Alexander and his associates illegally exported over 200 firearms, gun components such as upper and lower receivers, gun parts kits, and related items from Florida to Trinidad and Tobago.
One notable incident occurred on April 21, 2021, when authorities in Trinidad seized a shipment at Piarco International Airport described as containing “household items.” The shipment actually concealed two punching bags filled with weapons and ammunition: 11 pistols, two revolvers, a shotgun, multiple AR-15 parts including magazines and ammunition, as well as other firearm accessories.
The investigation revealed that Alexander’s group arranged shipments without informing shippers about their true contents.
Multiple agencies contributed to this case. HSI Tampa worked alongside its Attaché Caribbean office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Trinidad and Tobago Police Service; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Florida Department of Law Enforcement; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement; Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs; Jamaica Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; and Jamaica Constabulary Force.
Authorities encourage reporting crimes or suspicious activity by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE or using an online tip form.
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