C.B.P. News Release

CBP Officers at Texas Bridge Seize AK47 Rifle, 10,000 Rounds of Live Ammunition

(Thursday, September 30, 2010)

Granjeno, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working outbound operations at the Anzalduas, Texas International Bridge seized one AK47 and 10,041 rounds of live ammunition yesterday afternoon.

On September 29, 2010, CBP officers working at the Anzalduas International Bridge came in contact with a southbound 2005 Chevy Trailblazer that was headed into Mexico. The male driver was identified as an 18-year-old U.S. citizen from Mission, Texas. A CBP officer referred the driver and vehicle to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, officers seized one AK47 rifle, 10,041 rounds of live ammunition and one ammunition magazine that were found hidden within the Chevy Trailblazer.

The southbound traveler was transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement –Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation.

Hector A. Mancha, CBP port director, Hidalgo-Pharr said, “This is one more example of our frontline officers working to secure our nation’s borders to prevent and interdict weapons and ammunition from illegal exportation to Mexico.â€