U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Bridge of the Americas international crossing in El Paso seized 4,030 rounds of ammunition on May 1. The operation also resulted in the confiscation of $1,203 in U.S. currency and $906 in Mexican pesos. A 33-year-old male U.S. citizen was arrested.
Ray Provencio, CBP El Paso Port Director, stated, “CBP officers will conduct intermittent pulse and surge southbound operations at area ports to target the smuggling of weapons, ammunition, unreported currency and other violations.” He added that this significant seizure contributes to community safety.
The incident occurred shortly before 9 p.m. when a 2017 Mercedes Benz CT300 with a single driver approached the outbound inspection area. Officers instructed the driver to stop the vehicle for inspection, but he continued driving forward. To prevent escape, tire deflation devices were deployed successfully.
When the driver attempted to roll up his windows and reach for an unknown item inside the vehicle, CBP officers used a taser to gain control. Upon securing him, they discovered three boxes containing 4,000 rounds of 7.62 x 39 ammunition and 30 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition in the rear seat.
The vehicle, ammunition, and currency were seized by CBP officers. The driver was handed over to Homeland Security Investigations for charges related to smuggling attempts.
CBP is recognized as America's largest law enforcement organization and unified border management agency with over 65,000 personnel safeguarding national security across various domains while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
