CBP Officers at Del Rio Seize Assault Rifles Bound for Mexico

Del Rio, Texas – A Ciudad Acuña man is in custody after attempting to smuggle assault rifles out of the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Del Rio Port of Entry selected a 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck for inspection as the vehicle was leaving the United States, bound for Mexico. During initial inspection, CBP officers found two rifle magazines in the driver’s pockets.

During an intensive inspection of the vehicle, officers discovered four assault rifles and an additional magazine hidden under the bedliner of the pickup. Rifles seized by CBP officers included two AR-15s, one AK-47, and one SKS.

The weapons and driver, a 33-year-old Mexican national, were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

“Preventing firearms from illegally being exported from the United States is an important function of CBP officers at the Port of Entry,” said Michael Perez, CBP Port Director, Del Rio. “Officer training and experience are vital tools in intercepting a variety of prohibited items.”

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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.