WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Coast Guard personnel seized 368 rounds of ammunition concealed inside a Guatemala-bound container at the Port of Wilmington, Del., Aug. 29, 2017 during a joint agency inspection.
discovered 368 rounds of ammo concealed
inside a container bound for Guatemala
August 27, 2017.
CBP non-intrusive technology detected an anomaly inside one container that was manifested as household goods. CBP and Coast Guard officers investigated the anomaly and discovered ammunition boxes concealed in aluminum foil. The ammo boxes contained 248 rounds of .22 caliber, 100 rounds of 9 MM and 20 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. CBP seized the ammunition.
"The detection of ammunition concealed inside aluminum foil inside a household goods box in a shipping container illustrates the incredible sensitivity of technology Customs and Border Protection uses to intercept unlawful or dangerous products at our nation's ports of entry every day," said Antonio Blackwell, CBP Port Director, Port of Wilmington.
"As the nation's border security agency, Customs and Border Protection is charged with enforcing hundreds of laws and regulations at our nation's international ports of entry,” said Casey Owen Durst, CBP's Field Operations Director in Baltimore, the agency's operational commander in the Mid-Atlantic region. "CBP plays a critical role in helping to keep our communities safe and it's a responsibility that we take very seriously."
It is illegal to export firearms, weapons parts or ammunition without a federal license and permit.
Border Protection officers examine a
box in a shipping container.
“I am very pleased with the close coordination between the Coast Guard and CBP, which led to the seizure,” said Capt. Scott Anderson, commander of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay. “CBP’s responsibilities dovetail with the Coast Guard’s eleven statutory missions, helping to ensure maritime safety, security and environmental stewardship in this vibrant port complex.”
Visit exporting firearms, weapons parts and ammunition for additional information.
For any questions please call:
- Coast Guard: 757-434-6043
- Customs and Border Protection: 215-594-4117
CBP’s Office of Field Operations
CBP's border security mission is led at ports of entry by CBP officers from the Office of Field Operations. CBP officers use a variety of techniques to intercept narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, prohibited agriculture, and other illicit products, and to assure that global tourism remains safe and strong. Please visit CBP Ports of Entry to learn more about how CBP’s Office of Field Operations secures our nation’s borders.
Learn about what CBP did during "A Typical Day" in 2016.
Learn more about CBP at CBP.gov.