PRESIDIO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The U.S. Customs and Border Protection said its officers seized eight firearms and 500 rounds of ammunition attempting to illegally enter Mexico on Wednesday.
This occurred at the Presidio, Texas Port of Entry after vehicle anomalies were detected by non-intrusive inspection technology prompting a physical inspection of the vehicle.
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During the physical inspection CBP officers discovered six rifles, two handguns, 180 magazines and 500 rounds of ammunition, as well as firearm components including machine gun barrels inside a 2013 Nissan X-trail headed for Mexico.
Firearms seizure in Presidio TX (credit: CBP)
The driver of the vehicle was identified as a U.S. permanent resident man and Mexican citizen. He was taken into custody and charged with smuggling goods and trafficking 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. And by doing so we assist our Government of Mexico law enforcement partners as we work to make our shared border region safer.
Firearms seizure in Presidio TX (credit: CBP)
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