In fighting gun crime, Canada has an American problem

Firearms confiscated at the Windsor border are displayed during a demonstration of technology that can scan truck trailers for compartments that could be used to hide guns, at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) point of entry at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ontario, Canada June 28, 2022. REUTERS/Emily Elconin

OTTAWA/TORONTO (Reuters) - A Texas man bought dozens of guns from licensed dealers in the state before illegally reselling at least 16, U.S. officials say. Twelve were traced to crimes committed in America. The other four were traced to crimes in Canada.

The case of the 31-year-old, indicted last month on charges that could see him jailed for years, illustrates the leading role the Lone Star State now plays in the smuggling of guns used for violence in Canada, and how firearms tracing can help combat that trade.