Five suspects were arrested in 2000 and later convicted on carious federal firearms charges. During the arrests, Agents recovered an additional 45 firearms.

During four days of court testimony, Claxton admitted to being an IRA soldier sent to the United States for the purpose of acquiring firearms. The defendants received six months to 6 months imprisonment, with Claxton getting the longest sentence.  The presiding judge noted that the pre-Patriot Act guidelines were surprisingly lenient, limiting his sentencing ability.

An additional six defendants in Northern Ireland were charged and later convicted of Firearms and smuggling-related violations.