CBP Officers, Border Patrol Agents at Laredo Port of Entry Seize Weapons During Outbound Inspection
Written by admin, Oct 20, 2010, 1 Comment
Courtey Richard Pauza,
LAREDO, TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and Border Patrol agents at the Laredo Port of Entry on Tuesday seized 13 weapons, including three high-caliber rifles, 10 pistols, 1,369 rounds of ammunition and assorted gun magazines during an outbound examination.
The seizure occurred on Oct. 19, 2010 during an outbound (southbound) examination at Gateway to the Americas Bridge. A CBP officer referred a 1995 Isuzu Trooper driven by a 58-year-old Mexican citizen from Laredo for a secondary examination. During the examination, CBP officers and Border Patrol agents discovered hidden within the Trooper a cache of weapons, ammunition and related gear, including two .50-caliber rifles, a .458-caliber rifle, 10 pistols of varying calibers, 1,369 rounds of ammunition of varying calibers, 30 magazines of varying calibers and a scope.
CBP officers turned the driver over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.
“Our enhanced outbound examination process at the port utilizes the combined skills and experience of CBP officers, Border Patrol agents and ICE-HSI special agents as a force multiplier to interdict undeclared weapons and currency,” said Gene Garza, CBP Port Director, Laredo. “This significant weapons seizure underscores the ongoing commitment of sister agencies within the DHS family to keep our border communities safe and secure.”
