US Woman Allegedly Caught Transporting Guns, Ammo To Mexico

A U.S. woman driving to Mexico was arrested earlier this month after multiple firearms and ammunition were seized from her vehicle at the border, authorities said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said officers conducted outbound inspections at California’s Calexico West Port of Entry on May 9 encountered a 2014 Honda Accord driven by a 35-year-old U.S. citizen and referred the vehicle for secondary inspection using a nonintrusive system and canine team.

The scan and a CBP canine alerted officers to an “anomaly” in the vehicle’s rear bumper. Officers conducted a physical inspection and discovered 18 packages concealed within the rear bumper and six drum magazines in the rear driver-side door.

Inside the packages, officers found six handguns, 12 magazines and 1,895 rounds of ammunition.

“Thanks to their vigilance and dedication, our officers discovered and seized multiple handguns, magazines and ammunition concealed for illegal transport into Mexico before they could reach criminal organizations,” said Calexico Port Director Roque Caza. “Their commitment to border security is vital in disrupting the unlawful flow of weapons and protecting communities on both sides of the border.”

CBP seized the firearms, magazines and ammunition. The driver was arrested and faces federal prosecution.