Galveston/Houston CBP Seizes Over 400 Guns Smuggled in Shipping Containers to Central America

In a major operation, officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Area Port of Houston/Galveston have confiscated more than 400 firearms, close to 1,000 magazines and gun components, along with over 50,000 rounds of ammunition in the past two years, aiming to combat the trafficking of weapons to Central America.

The weapons, frequently concealed within shipping containers among legitimate merchandise, were mainly intended for nations such as Honduras, which are already grappling with organized crime and instability. Officials caution that these arms trafficking activities may lead to increased violence, undermine local governance, and strengthen international criminal organizations.

“The primary role of CBP is to protect the safety of America by preventing the entry of weapons and terrorists into the United States,” stated Thomas Mahn, Area Port Director for Houston/Galveston. “We continue to stay alert in our efforts to stop the unlawful trade of firearms and other illicit goods that can contribute to violence and unrest in other countries.”

Mahn acknowledged the significant contributions of CBP’s officers in enhancing border security and fostering international law enforcement collaboration, emphasizing that their efforts aid in the identification, arrest, and prosecution of those engaged in global criminal enterprises.

The recent seizures highlight a persistent and targeted initiative by CBP to stop firearms and associated parts from arriving in unstable areas. Recent instances of seizures include:

• 20 rounds of .45 ACP ammunition hidden within a shipment of used household goods bound for Honduras.
  
  
• A shotgun and 25 shotgun shells were concealed in another outbound shipment.
  
  
• Two pistols, two scopes, five magazines, one red dot sight, and 117 rounds of ammunition were discovered hidden in used goods.
  
  
• Two rifles, two magazines, and 769 rounds of ammunition concealed in another shipment also destined for Honduras.
  
  

CBP highlighted that these initiatives extend beyond enforcement, focusing on global intelligence sharing and crime prevention, and underscoring the influence of domestic port operations on international security.

‍