In a sweep that underscored the ongoing effort to curb illegal firearms trafficking, U.S. officials seized a cargo of weapons and ammunition at the Del Rio International Bridge and later arrested an Alabama father-son pair for moving hundreds of guns across the border.
Del Rio Seizure
On Sunday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in Del Rio reported that a vehicle heading south at the Del Rio International Bridge into Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, contained three weapons, nine magazines, and 1,389 rounds of ammunition. The items were found in a 2016 passenger van pulling a utility trailer.
“Every weapon and round of ammunition seized represents a potential threat neutralized,” Del Rio Port Director Liliana Flores said. “As this seizure illustrates, we will continue to leverage every resource to deter and disrupt illegal activities that threaten public safety.”
Laredo Smuggling Plea
In a separate case, Emilio Ramirez Cortes, 48, a Mexican citizen living in Albertville, Alabama, and his son, Edgar Emilio Ramirez Diaz, 23, also of Albertville, pleaded guilty in Laredo to attempting to traffic over 500 weapons and a cache of ammunition across the border. Both were arrested on Oct. 23 in separate vehicles at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge while trying to drive an SUV and pickup into Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. The vehicles were hauling white-box utility trailers that, upon inspection, contained false walls.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei announced that agents seized 534 firearms, 31,482 rounds of ammunition, 535 magazines, 40 scopes, four lasers, and 10 rifle slings. The men face up to 15 years for trafficking firearms, an additional 10 years for smuggling goods from the United States, and a possible $250,000 fine.
Key Takeaways
- Del Rio seizure included 3 weapons, 9 magazines, and 1,389 rounds.
- The Alabama father-son duo admitted to smuggling 534 firearms and 31,482 rounds.
- Both cases highlight continued enforcement against cross-border trafficking.
For more information, contact Sandra Sanchez at [email protected].
