Border Patrol Makes Jaw-Dropping Seizure in Major Arms Trafficking Investigation

Border Patrol agents have struck a major blow against illegal arms trafficking by confiscating over 90,000 rounds of ammunition during a routine inspection.

At a Glance

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the El Paso port of entry seized 92,900 rounds of large caliber ammunition on August 17, 2024.
The ammunition was found on a commercial bus leaving the U.S. and entering Mexico at the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) port of entry.
The bus drivers, who were Mexican citizens, displayed nervous behavior, prompting a thorough inspection.
This seizure is nearly three times the total amount of ammunition seized by CBP officers at the El Paso field office over the last three fiscal years combined.

Massive Seizure at El Paso Border Crossing

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the El Paso port of entry made a significant discovery by seizing 92,900 rounds of large caliber ammunition on August 17, 2024. The ammunition was being smuggled through a commercial bus bound for Mexico.

The bus was stopped at the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) port of entry during a routine stop, where CBP’s Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (ATCET) found multiple 27-gallon plastic storage totes containing 59,900 rounds of .223 ammunition and 33,000 rounds of 7.62 x 39 ammunition. The inspection was prompted by the nervous behavior displayed by the bus drivers, who were Mexican citizens.

This particular seizure dwarfs previous confiscations in the area. In FY 2021, 15,678 rounds were seized, followed by 7,224 rounds in FY 2022, and 11,205 rounds in FY 2023. This single bust is nearly three times the combined amount for the last three years.

Border Patrol seizes 90K bullets from a tour bus headed for Mexico https://t.co/K7C0UU4Q1B pic.twitter.com/UFEoow9rg3

— Albuquerque Journal (@ABQJournal) August 21, 2024

Implications for Border Security

The magnitude of this bust underscores the ongoing challenges and security threats at the nation’s borders. According to CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector A. Mancha, “Had this ammunition fallen into the hands of transnational criminal organizations, the impact could have been devastating.” The discovery emphasizes CBP’s essential role in targeting threats and ensuring safety on both sides of the border.

Acting CBP El Paso Port Director Albert Barnes highlighted CBP’s role in targeting threats to enforce laws and enhance community safety. The drivers, whose identities were not disclosed, were handed over to Homeland Security Investigations and will face smuggling charges. One passenger on the bus was found in the U.S. illegally and has been processed accordingly.

Border patrol seizes over 90,000 ammo rounds https://t.co/LlSb6uIMgs

— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) August 21, 2024

Role of Routine Inspections and Vigilance

CBP conducts routine pulse and surge southbound operations to inspect traffic and identify export violations, including the smuggling of currency, weapons, and ammunition. CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector A. Mancha stated, “The magnitude of this seizure is impactful. Had this ammunition fallen into the hands of transnational criminal organizations the impact could have been devastating.” This operation illustrates the crucial role of vigilant and dedicated border patrol teams in safeguarding public safety.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are looking into the origins and intended destination of the intercepted ammunition to unveil more details about this illegal operation. CBP remains steadfast in its mission to enforce laws and make communities safer.