TIJUANA– Mexican customs agents seized an arsenal that included 9,400 live rounds and four rifles at the border crossing from San Diego to Tijuana, according to federal authorities.
The federal revenue department known as SAT, which includes the customs agency, issued a press release Tuesday announcing the seizure at Puerta México but gave few details.
The agency said that a vehicle with California plates entered Tijuana through one of the lanes motorists use when they have nothing to declare. The lanes are controlled by traffic signals that alternate between green and red. When a motorist gets a red light, a customs agent inspects the vehicle.
The vehicle apparently got a red light and was inspected by an agent, who found in the trunk more than 9,400 live rounds of various calibers, a 12 gauge shotgun, 300 rifle, a .223 rifle, a scope, a carbine and revolver, both .22 caliber, plus more than 60 spent 5.56 mm rifle shells, the announcement said.
The arsenal was turned over to federal judicial authorities. The announcement did not say when the seizure occurred or indicate if there were any arrests.
Mexican customs agents have seized more than 527,000 rounds at border crossings in the last six years, the announcement said.
Both American and Mexican authorities say smugglers are delivering weapons and ammunition from the United States to organized crime groups in Mexico, who use them to wage their violent campaign against rival gangs and law enforcement officers.
alexandra.mendoza@sandiegored.com
