U.S. Customs and Border Protection Seize 27 Assault Rifle Magazines, Nearly $76,000 in Marijuana at Brownsville Port of Entry

Brownsville, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Brownsville’s International Bridges this weekend discovered 27 AR15 magazines and marijuana valued at approximately $75,800 in two separate enforcement actions.

On Friday CBP officers at the Gateway International Bridge encountered a 2001 Chevrolet Venture driven by a 20-year-old male Mexican citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The driver was referred for further inspection. Examination by CBP officers revealed 27 bundles hidden within the Chevrolet. CBP officers removed the packages from the vehicle which had a combined total weight of 75.8 pounds of marijuana.

The marijuana from this seizure has an estimated street value of approximately $75,800. CBP officers turned the man over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation. CBP officers seized the narcotics and the vehicle.

In a second case on Friday, CBP officers and Border Patrol agents working outbound enforcement operations at the Brownsville/Matamoros International Bridge encountered a Dodge Dakota as it attempted to exit the United States to enter Mexico. The driver, a 28-year-old male Mexican citizen and resident of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico was referred for further inspection. Further inspection by CBP officers and agents resulted in the discovery of 27 AR-15 magazines and one AR-15 Quadrail Hand Guard hidden within the Dodge.

The driver was taken into custody by CBP officers and turned over to ICE-HSI special agents for further investigation.

“CBP has stopped assault rifle magazines from being exported into Mexico and dangerous narcotics from coming into the U.S. in an effort to keep both countries safer. I congratulate our officers and agents for their vigilance and dedication."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.