Durante King-Mclean, a 26-year-old Canadian from Cambridge, Ontario, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to smuggle firearms into Canada. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The charges against King-Mclean are linked to a traffic stop on September 2, 2023, by the Pennsylvania State Police in Franklin County. During this stop, King-Mclean fled but was soon captured after a brief pursuit. A search of his rental vehicle revealed 65 handguns concealed individually in socks. Among these firearms were two fully automatic guns and one with an obliterated serial number.
Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus stated that King-Mclean had been communicating with co-conspirators from April until his arrest and had traveled from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida towards Canada with the weapons purchased illegally.
Following his arrest in the U.S., Canadian authorities charged King-Mclean for his alleged involvement in a significant heist at Toronto's Pearson International Airport on April 17, 2023. The robbery involved approximately $22.5 million worth of gold bars and foreign currency.
Eric J. DeGree from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) commented on the case: "King-Mclean’s international firearms trafficking scheme had 65 guns destined for the hands of violent criminals and other prohibited people who threaten their communities." He emphasized ATF's priority in reducing gun crime through cooperative efforts that prevent such weapons from being used criminally.
Edward V. Owens of HSI Philadelphia added: "This guilty plea highlights the serious consequences of international arms trafficking and the dangers it poses to public safety."
King-Mclean could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and three years under supervised release if convicted.
The investigation involved several agencies including ATF Harrisburg Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe is handling prosecution duties.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aiming to reduce violent crime by fostering trust within communities and setting strategic enforcement priorities. Additionally, it forms part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) initiative targeting drug trafficking organizations nationwide.
It is important to note that all individuals charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.