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2024-11-09 Caribbean-Latin America

[CBP.gov] CBP seizes more than 11,000 rounds of ammunition at El Paso port of entry

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the El Paso port of entry seized 11,100 rounds of 7.62 ammunition November 5, 2024. The ammunition was concealed in the quarter panels of a vehicle crossing the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) international crossing.

“The volume of this seizure is substantial,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha. “To put it in perspective CBP officers working at El Paso area ports seized 15,678 rounds of ammunition in all of fiscal year 2021, 7,224 rounds in fiscal year 2022 and 11,205 rounds in fiscal year 2023.

The seizure occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. when a 2011 Honda Ridgeline being driven by a 32-year-old Mexican man arrived from Mexico. The CBP officer at the primary inspection booth selected the vehicle for a secondary exam after a Low Energy Portal scan revealed possible anomalies in the appearance of the vehicle.

A CBP currency and firearms detection canine searched the vehicle and alerted to the car. A secondary Z-portal x-ray scanned also confirmed anomalies in the quarter panels. CBP officers searched the vehicle and located multiple bags of loose 7.62 ammunition hidden within.

The driver was arrested for violation of 18 USC 545, smuggling goods into the U.S. He was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations and federal prosecution was secured.

It was the second large ammunition seizure at BOTA in recent months. CBP officers seized more than 93,000 rounds of ammunition in the southbound lanes of BOTA on August 17, 2024.

Posted by Mercutio 2024-11-09 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11155 views ] Top
File under: Narcos

#1 The ammo was probably stolen from the Mexican army, bought from he US. They smuggle it back to the US and sell it, making almost pure profit.

Posted by Silentbrick 2024-11-09 01:37|| 2024-11-09 01:37|| Front Page Top

#2

Looks like the Cartel is resupplying it members to combat TRUMPS DEA, DOJ, ATF, and ICE. The Cartel will need 100x's that and then some. Because the Cartel/Gangs no longer have DC-Swamp or Border State Liberal Democrat protections.

BTW: Don't forget a few months back Shoulder fired (RPG type) weapons were found coming across the OPEN BORDER.

Posted by NN2N1 2024-11-09 03:50|| 2024-11-09 03:50|| Front Page Top

#3 Sieze a miliary installation and hold military and civilian hostages ?

Posted by Besoeker 2024-11-09 06:27|| 2024-11-09 06:27|| Front Page Top

#4 The caliber is interesting... no poodle-shooter food (AKA 5.56), so probably not being sent to cut-rate commandos. Seems like the resale theory is more likely.

Posted by Mercutio 2024-11-09 09:27|| 2024-11-09 09:27|| Front Page Top

#5 There is so much ammo available in the US I doubt the cartels are doing anything other than stealing and reselling. 11,000 rounds is nothing. FWIW 7.62 is a little harder to get with the Russian embargo.

Posted by The Walking Unvaxed 2024-11-09 10:22|| 2024-11-09 10:22|| Front Page Top

#6 I wonder what's in the cartridge.

Exploding ammunition

Posted by Skidmark 2024-11-09 10:48|| 2024-11-09 10:48|| Front Page Top

#7 7.62 is a little harder to get with the Russian embargo

Other producers have stepped up now so it isn't as bad. I agree this seems more like a resale move.

Posted by DarthVader 2024-11-09 12:20|| 2024-11-09 12:20|| Front Page Top

#8 Agreed on Fell Off The Truck.

Quick math says 1000 7.62 is approximately 42lbs.
11,000 = 462 lbs.

Vehicle would weigh in heavy, as a start. Dumbasses probably had magnetic as well, nevermind getting pinged magnetically for casings.

Posted by swksvolFF 2024-11-09 14:47|| 2024-11-09 14:47|| Front Page Top

Posted by Francesco d’ Assisi 2024-11-09 15:24|| 2024-11-09 15:24|| Front Page Top

#10 It would depend on what type of 7.62 ammo it is.
If it's 7.62 x 51 (.308), it's for sale.
If it's 7.62 x 39, they're reloads for AK's.

Posted by ed in texas 2024-11-09 17:05|| 2024-11-09 17:05|| Front Page Top

#11 ^ good point

Posted by Phack Hupater5638 2024-11-09 18:29|| 2024-11-09 18:29|| Front Page Top

#12 Unless the smuggler is a serious idiot it doesn't make much sense to smuggle 11,100 rounds of .308 ammo.

Using Ammoseek.com as the source, the cheapest .308 is Igman at 0.57 cents a round. A lot of work and risk to make less than $6k.

And 7.62x39 is even cheaper at 41.9 cents a round.

Posted by Chantry 2024-11-09 18:44|| 2024-11-09 18:44|| Front Page Top

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