C.B.P. News Release

Texas CBP Officers Seize Assault Rifle, Accessories during Outbound Operation

(Thursday, June 11, 2009)

Pharr, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working outbound enforcement operations at the Pharr/Reynosa International Bridge seized one AR-15 assault rifle, rifle stocks and arrested a 21-year-old Mexican citizen from Reynosa, Mexico.

CBP officers and Border Patrol agents working outbound enforcement operations at the Pharr/Reynosa International Bridge came in contact with a 2001 Ford Windstar van that was traveling south headed into Mexico on June 9. The driver of the van was identified as Mario Quilantan Garcia, a Mexican citizen, age 21 from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

After a routine examination, the driver and van were referred to secondary for an intensive examination. In secondary, officers found in the backseat of the van one AR-15, .223 caliber assault rifle, one 30 round magazine and 10 folding rifle stocks. CBP officers arrested Quilantan Garcia on a federal charge of unlicensed export of items on the U.S. munitions list.

Leticia Moran, director of Field Operations, Laredo, said “Our outbound teams continue to do great enforcement work as evidenced by this interception of the unlicensed exportation of this assault weapon and its accessories.â€