Investigators believe the entire stash was headed for Mexico.
MISSION, Texas — A routine outbound inspection at the Anzalduas Port of Entry this week led to a major gun-smuggling bust, after Texas DPS Special Agents say they uncovered dozens of firearms hidden inside a pickup truck’s spare tire.
The stop happened Wednesday morning in Mission, where DPS Criminal Investigations Division agents were working alongside federal partners as part of Operation Lone Star. According to investigators, the 2015 Chevy pickup drew attention during an outbound check toward Mexico.
DPS said during the vehicle inspection, agents discovered 30 handguns, including a 5.7 caliber FN Herstal, along with 60 magazines and a speed loader — all packed into the hollow of the truck’s spare tire. DPS says one of the weapons had been reported stolen from Austin.
Investigators believe the entire stash was headed for Guanajuato, Mexico.
The driver, 30-year-old Luis E. Torres Mujica of Guanajuato, and the passenger, 28-year-old Jesse Joe Camacho of McAllen, were taken into custody at the scene. Both men are charged with firearm smuggling and theft of property, according to DPS. They were later booked into the Hidalgo County Jail.