U.S. border authorities intercepted firearms and ammunition being smuggled into Mexico this week.
The bust unfolded on July 8 at the Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detected “anomalies” in a southbound Nissan X-trail via non-intrusive technology and initiated a physical inspection that uncovered hidden compartments inside the vehicle.
Officers located six rifles and two handguns, 180 magazines, 500 rounds of ammunition, and firearm components that included machine gun barrels.
The driver, a male Mexican citizen with permanent U.S. residency, was arrested and charged with smuggling goods and trafficking in firearms.
“This seizure demonstrates CBP’s commitment to preventing firearms and ammunition from illegally entering Mexico and arming dangerous criminal organizations,” said Ray Provencio, Director of the El Paso Field Office.
“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.”
Days earlier, three Mexican males armed with “assault rifles” were apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol after crossing the border illegally near Presidio, as we previously reported.
