U.S. Customs and Border Protection

DEL RIO (News Release) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers conducting outbound operations seized high-powered rifles, magazines and belt feeder clips hidden in an ice chest and mini-refrigerator.

“Our CBP officers continue to do outstanding enforcement work,” said Port Director Liliana Flores, Del Rio Port of Entry. “This interception is just one example of the work they do to protect our communities on both sides of the border.”

 The seizure occurred on the evening of Sunday, February 19th, at the Del Rio International Bridge when officers assigned to outbound operations selected a silver 2004 Ford cargo van traveling to Mexico for inspection. The vehicle and utility trailer it was pulling were referred for a non-intrusive inspection system examination.  Upon physical inspection of the vehicle and trailer, 17 weapons, 22 magazines, three belt feeder clips, and two scopes were discovered hidden within an ice chest, and mini-refrigerator.

The weapons, magazines, belt feeders, and scopes were seized by CBP OFO officers. The case was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.