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CBP Seizes Ammo Slated for Export

Release Date
Tue, 04/07/2015

Federal rules require firearms, weapons be declared

FREEPORT, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Port of Freeport discovered two boxes of ammunition hidden within laundry detergent boxes that were found concealed within a barrel containing personal belongings.

CBP officers discovered two boxes of ammunition hidden inside laundry detergent boxes and concealed in barrels among personal belongings in an attempt to export them without an appropriate declaration.

CBP officers discovered two boxes of ammunition hidden inside laundry detergent boxes and concealed in barrels among personal belongings in an attempt to export them without an appropriate declaration.

CBP officers conducted a non-intrusive inspection of a shipping container destined for Honduras.  During that inspection, officers noted an anomaly and targeted the container for a more thorough exam.

That exam uncovered two boxes of ammunition each containing 50 rounds of 380 caliber and 50 rounds of .38 special.  The ammunition was not manifested nor did it comply with Department of Commerce regulations regarding their export.

“Accurately declaring all items to be exported regardless of their quantity is the easiest way to ensure compliance and avoid seizures, penalties or delays,” said Houston CBP Port Director Dave Fluty.  “These types of seizures represent our vigilance and commitment to protecting our nation by enforcing the laws and regulations on behalf of many other federal agencies.”

Permanent or temporary export of ammunition via shipping container requires the exporter to register with Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls who has published a guidelines for firearms exports.

The 100 rounds of ammunition were seized.

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021