Weapons Seized at Nogales Port of Entry

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers arrested a 41-year-old woman who was traveling with three minors at the Nogales Port of Entry. They discovered a rocket-propelled grenade tube, a rifle, and various weapon parts concealed beneath the back seat of her Lexus. The find came during an exit inspection aimed at preventing weapons from getting into the hands of criminal groups in Mexico.

On April 19, the woman, a U.S. citizen, attempted to cross the border at the DeConcini crossing in Nogales, Arizona, driving a 2016 Lexus IS200t. After her vehicle was sent to a secondary inspection area, officers noticed something unusual with the rear seat where the three children were seated.

Upon conducting a thorough search, officers unearthed a rocket-propelled grenade launcher along with four rifles, an AK pistol, 16 AK-style rifles, 16 rifle stocks, 20 pistol grips, and other weapon components.

CBP Acting Deputy Director Ron Vitiello remarked, “Under the direction of President Trump and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, our officers effectively utilized their inspection skills and technology to locate these weapons and keep them out of the hands of cartels.” He emphasized the importance of these actions in protecting the people of Mexico.

The weapons were confiscated, and the woman was arrested for attempting to smuggle firearms from the U.S. into Mexico, while the three children were released to family members.

Arizona District Attorney Timothy Corchaine stated, “President Trump rightly designated criminal drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, and cases like this highlight their violent desire to maintain control.” He expressed pride in collaborating with the DHS to halt the flow of weapons to violent actors in Mexico and to bring their accomplices to justice on U.S. soil.