McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — An Austin man has been arrested in Eagle Pass, Texas, on charges of smuggling dozens of firearms from the United States across the border into Mexico, officials said Wednesday.
Victor Hugo Diego-Avellaneda, 39, of Austin, was arrested Jan. 19 after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers say they found 40 rifles, six shotguns, one pistol, 80 magazines, and two rifle scopes stored in two large duffel bags, according to U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas.
The firearms were found after Diego-Avellaneda was referred for secondary inspection at the port of entry.
Esparza says Diego-Avellaneda told officers he was being paid $100 for each firearm and 11 firearms belonged to him.
He is charged with one count of smuggling goods and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted.
Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.
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