U.S. authorities seized 16 firearms, 26 magazines, and 182 rounds of ammunition bound for Mexico, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency reported.
The agency said in a statement that the seizure occurred on Monday, March 17, at the Del Rio International Bridge. The Texas Department of Public Safety launched a criminal investigation following the confiscation.
“Our frontline CBP officers take the border security mission very seriously, and this significant weapons seizure reflects our strong commitment and determination to fulfill that mission,” said Port Director Liliana Flores.
Flores emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure safety: “Large-scale weapons seizures like this, along with continued coordination between state and federal law enforcement agencies, exemplify our ongoing efforts to help maintain the safety of our border communities on both sides of the river.”
The seizure occurred during outbound inspections. CBP officers searched a 2006 Ford F-350 pickup truck and discovered a total of 16 firearms, including three 5.56 mm AR rifles, 26 magazines, and 182 rounds of ammunition, including .50 caliber rounds, all concealed within the vehicle.
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