Officers seize dozens of weapons, gun parts in Nogales border bust

PHOENIX — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized a large quantity of weapons and their parts from a woman attempting to leave the country for Mexico, announced authorities.

The unnamed woman, 41, was referred for additional inspection on Monday while driving a 2016 Lexus sedan with three minors at the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales.

The inspection revealed a hidden compartment under a rear seat, containing the following:

• Rocket-propelled grenade launcher tube
• Four rifles
• AK pistol
• 16 AK rifles
• 24 rifle magazines
• 16 rifle stocks
• 20 pistol grips
• other miscellaneous weapons parts

The woman was arrested and charged with smuggling. The three children riding with her were released to family.

“Every day, CBP officers serve on the front lines, actively dismantling the transnational criminal organizations that destabilize the region,” said Acting Director of Field Operations Carlos Gonzalez in a release. “(CBP) remains steadfast in its mission to secure our borders and prevent these illicit networks from threatening the safety of our nation.”

“Officers utilized an effective combination of inspection experience and technology to find these weapons and prevent them from falling into the hands of the cartels,” added CBP Acting Deputy Commissioner Ron Vitiello. “CBP prevented these dangerous weapons from wreaking havoc on the good people of Mexico.”

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