U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized multiple firearms, ammunition and firearm components from a vehicle attempting to cross into Mexico through the Presidio Port of Entry, authorities said.
The seizure occurred July 8 during southbound inspections at the international crossing, according to a CBP news release. Officers discovered six rifles, two handguns, 180 magazines, 500 rounds of ammunition and firearm components, including machine gun barrels, concealed inside a 2013 Nissan X-Trail.
CBP said officers initially identified anomalies in the vehicle using non-intrusive inspection technology. A subsequent physical inspection uncovered hidden compartments containing the weapons and related items.
The driver, identified only as a Mexican national and lawful permanent resident of the United States, 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,” Ray Provencio, director of CBP’s El Paso Field Office, said in a statement.
Provencio said southbound inspection teams focus on intercepting firearms, ammunition and currency linked to criminal activity before they can reach Mexican drug cartels.
The case remains under investigation. Credit: Big Bend Sentinel.
