U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Mobile Enforcement Team seized 4,030 rounds of ammunition, $1,203 in U.S. currency, and 906 Mexican pesos during southbound inspections at the Bridge of the Americas on May 1. A 33-year-old American man was arrested in connection with the incident.
“CBP officers will conduct intermittent pulse and surge southbound operations at area ports to target the smuggling of weapons, ammunition, unreported currency and other violations,” said Ray Provencio, CBP El Paso Port Director. “This is a significant seizure and will help keep our shared international community safer.”
The incident occurred just before 9 p.m. when a 2017 Mercedes Benz CT300 approached the outbound inspection area. Officers instructed the driver to shut off the engine for a safe inspection, but he ignored the command and attempted to drive off. Officers quickly deployed tire deflation devices to stop the vehicle.
As the driver tried to roll up the windows and reach for an unknown item, CBP officers used a taser to safely restrain him. Inside the vehicle, they discovered three boxes in the back seat containing 4,000 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition and 30 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition.
CBP seized the vehicle, ammunition, and currency. The driver was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for prosecution related to the smuggling attempt.
