A 25-year-old undocumented immigrant received a prison sentence of over three years after admitting to firearm trafficking to Mexico’s notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel, according to prosecutors.

Jorge Alberto Morales-Calvo pleaded guilty earlier this year, acknowledging that he collaborated with an accomplice and utilized a cartel intermediary to purchase high-powered weapons, including a Barrett .50-caliber rifle and an FN Herstal Belgium pistol in 5.7X28 caliber, for drug traffickers.

“The Department of Justice is committed to attacking the cartels from all sides, targeting not only their members but also those who facilitate their operations,” said the U.S. attorney for Southern Texas.

Federal authorities charged Morales-Calvo with attempting to buy a $16,000 firearm deal, waiting in a vehicle near the scene while co-defendant Homero Arteaga examined the weapons for purchase. When law enforcement intervened, Morales-Calvo attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended in the parking lot.

Following his guilty plea on January 8, Morales-Calvo was sentenced to three years and five months in federal prison and is expected to be deported after release. His co-defendant, Arteaga, pleaded guilty in November and was sentenced to nearly five years behind bars.

“Arming and aiding criminal cartels not only violates the law but perpetuates deadly violence along the border,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel. “This case underscores our resolve to disrupt illegal weapon transfers and dismantle cartel operations using all available means.”