Kleberg County Traffic Stop Leads to Seizure of 26 Handguns

South Texas Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force

KLEBERG COUNTY (News Release) - On July 8, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Special Agents with the South Texas Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force, working under Operation Stonegarden in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Violent Offender and Fugitive Task Force, Corpus Christi Division, initiated a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Silverado traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 77 near County Road 2155 in Kleberg County.

During the investigation, Special Agents obtained consent to search the vehicle. The search led to the discovery of multiple firearms concealed within the vehicle’s door panels. The firearms had been wrapped in cellophane and black electrical tape in an apparent effort to avoid detection.

Photo courtesy of South Texas Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force.

Agents recovered a total of 26 handguns, three of which had been reported stolen from the Houston area. Based on the investigation, authorities believe the firearms were being transported to Mexico.

Alan Alanis Benavides

The driver, Alan Alanis Benavides, a Mexican national, was arrested and charged with:

● Three counts of Theft of a Firearm

● One count of Firearms Smuggling (Three or More Firearms)

Benavides was transported to the Kleberg County Jail, where he was booked pending further judicial proceedings.

This investigation remains ongoing.