Douglas, Ariz. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stopped an illegal exportation of firearms when they seized 3 assault rifles being smuggled out of the United States during outbound operations.
On Feb. 4 at approximately 11 p.m. CBP officers were screening travelers for possible export violations while performing outbound operations that direct traffic from the U.S. into Mexico. CBP officers became suspicious of 2001 Chevy pickup being driven by a 26-year-old woman identified as a U.S. citizen and resident of Safford, Ariz.
A search of the vehicle revealed that the Safford woman was attempting to smuggle 3 assault rifles out of the U.S. by concealing them under the hood and inside the firewall that had been modified to smuggle contraband.
CBP officers seized the 3 assault rifles and the vehicle. The woman was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation and prosecution.
A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.