A Co Antrim man was detained without bail in Philadelphia yesterday, charged with taking part in the Florida-based conspiracy to mail weapons from the United States to Ireland.
Magistrate Judge Jacob Hart ordered Mr Martin Mullan (29) to be held in federal custody until he can be extradited to Florida, where he will face charges of conspiracy and weapons exporting along with three other Irish nationals.
In a separate development in Florida, two men, Mr Anthony Smyth and Mr Conor Claxton, pleaded not guilty to smuggling guns and ammunition through the post. US media reports said Mr Claxton's attorney denied a claim by federal prosecutors that he had admitted IRA involvement.
A woman arrested last week in connection with the same case, Ms Siobhan Browne, also appeared in court but put off entering a plea until Tuesday next. Reports said her arraignment was postponed while she determines whether she can raise money to retain her private attorney or whether she will be defended by a court-appointed lawyer.
an, who sat at the back of the courtroom scribbling on a notepad with Mr Mullan's fiance fianceeand brother.
Prosecutors allege Mr Mullan had mailed as many as 13 handguns from Philadelphia to Ireland and had been involved with other suspects in the Florida operation.
Federal agents had allegedly observed Mr Mullan loading boxes into a vehicle in Florida in July with another suspect, Mr Conor Claxton, assistant US attorney Ms Stephanie Pell told the court.
Federal agents also allegedly found two mailing receipts for packages to Ireland in the handbag of Mr Mullan's fiancee.
Prosecutors claim two packages mailed by Mr Mullan were intercepted in Dublin and New York. The Dublin package contained 50-calibre sniper rifle ammunition, it was said.