C.B.P. News Release

CBP Officers Seize Dozens of AK-47 Magazines and Thousands of Rounds of Ammo

(Monday, April 04, 2011)

El Paso, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the Stanton Street international crossing at the El Paso port of entry made an ammunition and weapons magazine seizure Tuesday, March 29.

CBP officers working at the Stanton international crossing seized 148 AK-47 magazines, one M4 magazine and 6,000 rounds of ammunition concealed in the upper front roof compartment of 1999 Chevrolet Express conversion van on Tuesday, March 29, 2011.

The seizure was made at about 4:55 p.m. while CBP officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents were conducting southbound operations at the Stanton crossing. CBP officers selected a 1999 Chevrolet Express conversion van for an intensive exam. The driver of the vehicle said he had nothing to declare during routine questioning by a CBP officer.

The vehicle was taken to an inspection area where an extensive exam of the vehicle was conducted. CBP officers discovered 148 AK-47 magazines, one M4 magazine and 6,000 rounds of ammunition concealed in the upper front roof compartment of the vehicle.

“CBP officers at the Port of El Paso are working hard to disrupt the criminal smuggling organizations’ activity. This is another good example of our officers’ vigilance and attention to detail,â€