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AZ woman accused of trying to smuggle guns into Mexico
A 42-year-old Phoenix woman is facing federal charges after the Department of Justice said she tried to smuggle a large amount of weapons across the border into Mexico.
PHOENIX - A Phoenix woman is facing federal charges after authorities say she tried to cross into Mexico in a car loaded with guns and an RPG launcher tube.
What we know:
The Department of Justice says 42-year-old Migdelia Irma Mendoza was indicted on charges of attempting to smuggle goods from the United States.
On April 19, authorities say Mendoza was heading to Mexico and tried crossing the border at the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales when she was stopped.
"As officers searched Mendoza’s Lexus, they folded up the rear seat and found non-factory black fabric beneath it," the DOJ said in a news release. "Under the fabric, officers felt objects that were solid and did not appear to be part of the vehicle. After anomalies were confirmed through a scan of the vehicle, officers conducted a closer inspection and discovered the RPG launcher tube, firearms, and firearm parts."
Dig deeper:
The following items were found in Mendoza's car, per the DOJ:
- 4 AR-style rifles
- 16 AK-style rifles
- 1 AK-style pistol
- 1 RPG-7 launcher tube
- 20 firearm pistol grips
- 16 rifle buttstocks
- 24 AK-style firearm magazines
Total cache of weapons found in Mendoza’s vehicle. (Department of Justice)
"These items are prohibited by U.S. law for export without a valid U.S. government issued export license, which Mendoza did not possess," the DOJ said.
The Source: Information for this story was gathered from a news release by the U.S. Department of Justice.