A Mexican national has been charged in federal court after authorities discovered nearly 14,000 rounds of ammunition during a traffic stop in Las Cruces, New Mexico. According to court documents, on August 14, 2025, an officer with Las Cruces Metro Narcotics stopped a vehicle driven by Luis Carlos Martinez Monge for speeding. During the stop, law enforcement found 699 boxes of ammunition concealed inside the vehicle.
Monge reportedly admitted he was transporting the ammunition for an acquaintance and received $1,600 for expenses. He also agreed to be paid an additional $200 per box. Monge acknowledged that as a nonimmigrant tourist it was illegal for him to transport ammunition and said he had hidden the boxes. Authorities seized a total of 13,980 rounds of ammunition, the vehicle, and $1,340 in cash.
Monge is facing charges of being an alien in possession of ammunition. He will remain in custody while awaiting trial; no trial date has been set. If convicted, Monge could face up to 15 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso announced the charges. The case was investigated by HSI El Paso with assistance from Las Cruces Metro Narcotics and the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Saltman is prosecuting.
"A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
