McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection at two South Texas ports of entry reported the seizure of large loads of weapons and ammunition that were headed into Mexico.
On Monday, CBP officers at the Del Rio International Bridge say they confiscated 16 weapons including three 5.56mm AR-style rifles, 26 magazines and 182 rounds of ammunition hidden within a passenger van. The van had been sent for secondary inspection as it was headed into Ciudad Acuña, Mexico.
“Our frontline CBP officers take CBP’s border security mission seriously, and this large outbound weapons seizure reflects our firm commitment and resolve to uphold that mission,” Del Rio Port Director Liliana Flores said in a statement. “Large weapons seizures like these, coupled with ongoing coordination between state and federal law enforcement partners exemplify our continued efforts to help keep our border communities safe and secure, on both sides of the river.”
On Saturday, CBP officers say they confiscated more weapons from a vehicle at the Camino Real International Bridge — also known as Bridge II — in Eagle Pass.
Officers confiscated five weapons, four magazines and nearly 1,000 rounds of ammunition hidden within an older model pickup that tried to cross from Eagle Pass into Piedras Negras, Mexico, CBP says.
“Our frontline officers conducting outbound operations while maintaining strict vigilance and their application of inspections skills, experience and technology, resulted in a significant outbound weapons interception,” Eagle Pass Port Director Pete Beattie said. “Seizures like these perfectly exemplify and illustrate CBP’s continued commitment as part of U.S. efforts to help secure our shared border with Mexico.”
Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.