A former Miami-Dade police officer pleaded guilty Monday to playing a major role in a conspiracy to smuggle guns to the Dominican Republic.

As part of his guilty plea, 48-year-old Michael Freshko admitted to receiving guns from an accomplice and then using his police credentials to transport the firearms through security at the Miami International Airport, according to a Justice Department news release.

After making his way through security, Freshko would then deliver the firearms to another co-conspirator who would hide and store the guns in carry-on baggage. The guns would then travel with another co-conspirator on a commercial flight.

Once arrived in the Dominican Republic, the firearms would be transported to an associate.

Freshko told authorities that firearms were smuggled in this way on Oct. 5, 2012, and Dec. 7, 2012. He indicated six firearms were smuggled, including four Glock 9mm pistols, one Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, and one Sig Sauer 5.56 rifle.

Freshko could face a maximum prison term of five years as a result of his guilty plea.