Border Patrol agents thwart major arms trafficking attempt, seizing over 90,000 rounds of ammunition bound for Mexico.
At a Glance
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 92,900 rounds of large caliber ammunition at El Paso port of entry
- Ammunition was found on a commercial bus leaving the U.S. and entering Mexico
- Two Mexican bus drivers arrested and face smuggling charges
- Seizure is nearly triple the total amount of ammunition seized in the last three fiscal years combined
Massive Ammunition Seizure at U.S.-Mexico Border
In a significant blow to arms traffickers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the El Paso port of entry intercepted a staggering 92,900 rounds of large caliber ammunition on August 17, 2024. The seizure occurred during a routine southbound inspection at the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) port of entry, as the ammunition was being transported on a commercial bus leaving the United States and entering Mexico.
This operation, conducted by CBP’s Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (ATCET), marks a major victory in the ongoing battle against illegal arms trafficking. The sheer volume of ammunition seized is particularly noteworthy, as it nearly triples the total amount of ammunition confiscated by CBP officers at the El Paso field office over the past three fiscal years combined.
Suspicious Behavior Leads to Discovery
The bust was initiated when CBP officers noticed nervous behavior displayed by the bus drivers during the inspection. This prompted a more thorough examination of the vehicle, leading to the discovery of multiple 27-gallon plastic storage totes containing 59,900 rounds of .223 ammunition and 33,000 rounds of 7.62 x 39 ammunition.
“CBP’s primary mission is to inspect all goods and people entering the U.S. from abroad but the agency will also perform outbound inspections as part of our overall enforcement portfolio,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector A. Mancha. “The magnitude of this seizure is impactful. Had this ammunition fallen into the hands of transnational criminal organizations the impact could have been devastating.” https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/cbp-seizes-more-90000-rounds-ammunition-leaving-us
The two bus drivers, both male citizens of Mexico, were immediately taken into custody and handed over to Homeland Security Investigations. They now face serious smuggling charges. The bus itself was seized by CBP as part of the investigation.
Passengers Caught in the Crossfire
At the time of the seizure, there were 16 passengers on board the bus. While 15 of these individuals were allowed to continue their journey on a different bus, one passenger was found to be in the United States illegally and was processed accordingly. This incident serves as a reminder of the complex nature of border security operations and the potential risks faced by unwitting travelers.
“CBP officers working at the El Paso port of entry target all threats to enforce laws on the international border and make our communities safer on both sides of the border,” said acting CBP El Paso Port Director Albert Barnes. https://www.yahoo.com/news/border-patrol-seizes-90k-bullets-030200558.html
This successful operation highlights the critical role played by CBP in conducting pulse and surge southbound inspections to identify and prevent export violations, including the smuggling of currency, weapons, and ammunition. As the largest law enforcement organization in the United States and the world’s first unified border management agency, CBP’s vigilance is paramount in maintaining the safety and security of our nation’s borders.
Sixteen passengers, a couple dozen pieces of luggage and 92,000 bullets. That’s what U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found inside a charter bus attempting to exit the United States through a port of entry in El Paso last Saturday. https://t.co/O3wnrvy85G
— KTSM 9 News (@KTSMtv) August 20, 2024
A Stark Reminder of Ongoing Threats
This massive ammunition seizure serves as a sobering reminder of the persistent challenges faced by our border security personnel. It underscores the importance of maintaining a strong and vigilant presence along our borders to prevent the flow of illegal weapons and ammunition that could potentially fuel violence and criminal activities on both sides of the border.
As investigations into the origins and intended destination of this ammunition cache continue, law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border remain committed to dismantling the networks responsible for such smuggling attempts. The dedication and sharp instincts of our CBP officers have once again proven invaluable in protecting our communities from the potentially devastating consequences of unchecked arms trafficking.
Sources:
1. CBP seizes more than 90,000 rounds of ammunition leaving U.S.
2. Border Patrol seizes 90K bullets from a tour bus headed for Mexico
