ATF didn't act on electronic tracking of illegal weapons, report alleges

An electronic program that is supposed to be a primary source for tracking illicit gun dealing is being accused of facilitating the smuggling of firearms to drug cartels in Mexico, reports NextGov.

A hearing was held on June 15 to examine why the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) did not use the eTrace system to arrest buyers and seize guns after abnormal sales were recorded during a sting operation, the article said. The agents reportedy tracked the weapons, but didn't intercept them before they reached the buyers.