EL PASO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized eight firearms, 500 rounds of ammunition, 180 magazines, and firearm components — including machine gun barrels — from a vehicle attempting to cross south into Mexico at the Presidio, Texas port of entry on July 8, according to the agency.
According to CBP, the seizure took place during a southbound inspection of a 2013 Nissan X-Trail headed for Mexico. Officers using non-intrusive inspection technology identified anomalies in the vehicle, which prompted a physical inspection, the agency said. Officers then discovered hidden compartments containing the firearms and related contraband, according to CBP.
According to the agency, the seized firearms included six rifles and two handguns. The driver, whom CBP described as a male lawful U.S. permanent resident and Mexican citizen, was taken into custody and charged with violations of 18 U.S.C. § 545 for smuggling goods and 18 U.S.C. § 933 for trafficking in firearms.
The driver is charged, not convicted.
“This seizure demonstrates CBP’s commitment to preventing firearms and ammunition from illegally entering Mexico and arming dangerous criminal organizations,” Ray Provencio, Director of the El Paso Field Office, said in a statement. “Our southbound inspection teams search for firearms, ammunition, and currency from illicit criminal activities to prevent this contraband from arming and financing the Mexican Drug cartels. And by doing so we assist our Government of Mexico law enforcement partners as we work to make our shared border region safer.”
Anyone with information about suspicious activity at ports of entry can report it to CBP by calling 1-800-635-2509.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
