Border security has just gotten a notch tighter at Del Rio Port of Entry, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers snagged a considerable cache of contraband arms. These officers, assigned to the Del Rio International Bridge, had a routine day transform into an exceptional bust as they stopped a 1998 Ford E-350 Econoline van, set to cross into Mexico on Thursday.
The narrative unfolded during outbound operations, as the officers opted for a nonintrusive inspection system scan and called in a canine to snoop around the van and its attached utility trailer. It wasn't just intuition; there was something off about this vehicle. In a statement obtained by the CBP, Port Director Liliana Flores lauded her team's efforts, emphasizing, “This reflects the commitment from our dedicated officers, who work tirelessly to detect and interdict threats, ensuring that our communities on both sides of the border remain safe.”
Their diligence paid off handsomely when, upon a thorough physical inspection, officers unearthed nine weapons and 15 magazines from what seemed to be innocuous commodities packed within the vehicle. With the firearms, ammunition, and magazines in custody, the story took a turn from a border security case to a criminal investigation headed by the Texas Department of Public Safety, which arrested the driver on the spot.
Officers reported the seizure of illegal shipments during a recent border operation, recovering multiple firearms and magazines hidden within a vehicle. The driver, whose name has been withheld pending investigation, was taken into custody and now faces legal charges. Authorities stated that the case is part of an ongoing investigation into cross-border weapons trafficking, with the Texas Department of Public Safety leading the inquiry in coordination with federal agencies.
