NYPD: Men smuggled guns to NYC on buses

NEW YORK  - Authorities say a pair of gunrunners smuggled firearms into New York City by stashing weapons in their luggage on discount buses.

The two are among 19 people whose arrests were announced Monday.

The case involved 254 guns purchased by an undercover officer in 45 transactions since last year.

Authorities said two men from North Carolina and South Carolina typically smuggled the weapons on Chinatown-bound buses known for their cheap fares.

Investigators say once the men arrived in New York City, a middleman brokered sales for guns at three times their original value.

Some of the transactions allegedly took place in a Brooklyn recording studio. 1 of the studio's operators has been charged.