The US Supreme Court agreed on Friday to decide whether a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Mexico accusing American gun makers of fueling drug trafficking and violence can go ahead.
Smith & Wesson and US gun distributer Interstate Arms are seeking a dismissal of the Mexican government’s suit, which has been winding its way through US courts since 2021.
A federal judge tossed the case in 2022 saying Mexico’s claims failed to overcome the extensive protections offered to US firearms makers by the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA).
The PLCAA, passed by Congress in 2005, shields firearms makers from liability for criminals misusing their products.
An appeals court revived the case, citing an exception to the law, and Smith & Wesson and Interstate Arms have sought relief from the Supreme Court.
In its suit, Mexico accused Smith & Wesson and other US gun makers of engaging in a “negligent and illicit” trade that fuels drug cartel violence.
The Mexican government maintains that 70-90 percent of the weapons recovered at crime scenes in the country have been trafficked from the United States.
Mexico tightly controls weapons sales and firearms are practically impossible to access legally.
The Supreme Court will hear the case during its term which begins on Monday and render a decision by next summer.
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