EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized 12 firearms and 28 ammunition magazines that were heading south into Mexico on July 3 at the Bridge of Americas international crossing, the CBP said in a news release.
The seizure was made by the CBP Mobile Enforcement Team that was performing southbound inspections at the port of entry.
Items seized in the encounter also included rifle optics, buttstocks, and a handgun lower receiver. A 33-year-old female Mexican citizen was arrested in the case, CBP said.
“The intermittent pulse-and-surge southbound operations that CBP officers perform at area ports will often identify individuals attempting to smuggle weapons, ammunition, unreported currency and other violations,” CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha said. “These important enforcement actions play a significant role in helping keep our border communities safer.”
The seizure was made shortly before 8 p.m. when a vehicle with a single female driver approached the outbound inspection area. CBP officers selected the vehicle for an intensive exam. An x-ray exam of the car revealed anomalies in the doors. CBP officers removed multiple plastic-wrapped guns and firearm components that were hidden in the doors, CBP said.
CBP officers arrested the driver. She was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations to face charges associated with the failed smuggling attempt, CBP said.
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