Man accused of attempting to smuggle over 6,000 rounds of ammunition across border

PHOENIX — A man was charged with a criminal complaint on Wednesday after he reportedly attempted to illegally transport ammunition into Mexico, authorities said.

On Tuesday, Jose Herrera Daniel, 56, allegedly tried to smuggle 6,339 rounds of 7.62 mm through the port of entry located in Douglas, Arizona, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.

Why was Daniel arrested in connection to ammunition smuggling?

Authorities said when Daniel, who is from Agua Prieta in Sonora, Mexico, tried to cross at the port, a United States Customs and Border Protection K-9 officer — who was trained to detect weapons, ammunition and currency — searched and alerted to his vehicle.

Officers proceeded to scan Daniel’s vehicle which showed anomalies in the driver and passenger side rocker panels. A physical search of the vehicle was done and police discovered plastic bags filled with thousands of rounds of ammunition.

This isn’t the first time someone has tried to do this. In April, a woman was indicted for attempting to smuggle around 8,000 rounds of ammunition across the Arizona-Mexico border.

What does Daniel being charged with a criminal complaint mean?

Daniel being charged with a criminal complaint is simply a way for him to be charged with criminal activity without suggesting any inference of guilt. This case and evidence will still need to be presented to a jury to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations handled the investigation, while the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson will handle the prosecution.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, which is a nationwide initiative that uses the Department of Justice to combat the invasion of illegal immigrants as well as eliminate cartels and transnational crime organizations.

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