Eagle Pass CBP Officers, Border Patrol Agents Nab 12 AK-47s

EAGLE PASS, Texas – For the second time in two weeks, federal authorities at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry intercepted a load of assault rifles bound for Mexico, Friday.

“The Eagle Pass POE Enforcement Team is comprised of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from the Port of Entry and U.S. Border Patrol agents,” said Cynthia O. Rodriguez, CBP Port Director, Eagle Pass. “Preventing weapons like these from being smuggled across our borders deprives transnational criminal organizations of the tools of their trade.”

Late Friday night, the POE Enforcement team was conducting outbound inspections at Eagle Pass International Bridge I when a 2003 Ford Expedition arrived, bound for Mexico. Using non-intrusive imaging equipment to inspect the vehicle, Enforcement Team members discovered a cache of weapons hidden inside. Team members seized a total of 12 AK-47 assault rifles, along with 12 magazines, and 22 rounds of 7.63-caliber ammunition.

Working together, the Office of Field Operations and U.S. Border Patrol are integral to the South Texas Campaign, which leverages federal, state and local resources to combat transnational criminal organizations.

“Taking weapons like these out of the hands of criminals helps ensure the safety and security of communities on both sides of the border,” STC Commander Robert L. Harris said.  “These types of seizures highlight the vigilance of our officers and agents, as we and our partner agencies continue disrupting TCO operations in the South Texas Corridor.”

The Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within U.S. Customs and Border Protection tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.