Customs and Border Protection, Coast Guard seize 368 rounds of ammunition bound for Guatemala

Photo By Chief Petty Officer David Micallef | Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay and Customs and Border protection members inspect household goods boxes in shipping container bound for Guatemala in search of illegal ammunition in Wilmington, Delaware on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. U.S. Coast Guard photo illustration by Petty Officer 3rd Class David Micallef  

WILMINGTON, DE, UNITED STATES

09.13.2017

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class David Micallef 

U.S. Coast Guard District 5   

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.

“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.”

For any questions please call:

Coast Guard: 757-434-6043
Customs and Border Protection: 215-594-4117

• Date Taken: 09.13.2017
• Date Posted: 09.13.2017 15:45
• Story ID: 248135
• Location: WILMINGTON, DE, US