Criminal Interdiction Investigation Leads to Firearms Smuggling Arrest

28 year-old Axel Balderas-Bustos

Kingsville Police Department

KINGSVILLE, TEXAS (News Release) - On September 8, 2026, a Kingsville Police Department Criminal Interdiction Unit investigator conducted a traffic stop on a silver MG5 displaying a Nuevo León, Mexico license plate on U.S. Highway 77 within the Kingsville city limits.

During the investigation, a subsequent search resulted in the discovery of seven firearms, firearm-related components, a suspected suppressor, a THC vape pen, and $1,711 in U.S. currency. Several of the firearms had been concealed within areas of the vehicle.

The driver, identified as Axel Rogelio Balderas-Bustos, 28, was taken into custody and transported to the Kingsville Police Department. The vehicle and evidence were secured for further investigation.

Bustos was subsequently transported to the Kleberg County Jail and booked on the following charges:

• Firearm Smuggling – Three or More Firearms

• Possession of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 2, Less Than One Gram

• Unlawful Use of a Criminal Instrument

• Seven Counts of Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon

The investigation remains ongoing. Additional charges may be considered as the investigation develops.