PRESIDIO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Presidio port of entry made a substantial weapons seizure April 16 while conducting enforcement operations of vehicles and persons departing the U.S. into Mexico.

Presidio port of entry seizure.

“I am proud of the El Paso Field Office CBP officers. Officers from the El Paso Field Office cover a geographic span of over 400 miles from Presidio, Texas to the Antelope Wells, New Mexico ports of entry,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha. “They remain ever vigilant; in this instance, the Presidio team halted illegally transported weapons from entering Mexican communities and they arrested the subject who now faces prosecution.”

The seizure was made at about 7:30 p.m. while CBP officers were conducting southbound operations. CBP officers selected a 2016 Nissan Sentra for an intensive exam. A CBP firearms/currency detector dog conducted a sweep of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert to the rear/trunk area.

A non-intrusive X-ray exam of the vehicle identified several anomalies in the vehicle. During the inspection of the vehicle, CBP Officers discovered several rifle pieces encased in foam in the quarter-panel areas of the car; close to 400 rounds of ammunition, over 40 ammunition magazines, numerous rifle parts, and tactical gear were also found hidden throughout the automobile.

In addition to the weapons and ammo, officers also discovered what appeared to be a hand-grenade wrapped in foil tape in the driver side quarter panel. Immediate actions were taken by CBP personnel to protect the public and employees from danger. An explosive ordinance disposal technician secured and later identified the suspected grenade as a replica thus rendering the scene as safe.

“CBP officers at the port of Presidio are working hard to disrupt the criminal smuggling organizations’ activity. This is another good example of our officers’ vigilance and attention to detail,” said Fred Hutterer, CBP Port Director Presidio, Texas. “Our ongoing southbound inspections have resulted in seizures of weapons, ammunition, tactical equipment, unreported currency, stolen property, and the apprehension of fugitives.”

The driver, a 44-year-old male Mexican citizen was arrested by CBP officers and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents after federal prosecution was accepted.