Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Special Agents seized 30 handguns and dozens of weapons accessories hidden inside a spare tire during an outbound vehicle inspection at the Anzalduas Port of Entry in Mission, according to a DPS press release.
The seizure occurred on Wednesday, December 3, just after 9:30 a.m., when DPS Criminal Investigations Division Special Agents stopped a 2015 Chevy pickup as part of a multi-agency task force with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations.
Agents discovered 30 handguns — including a 5.7 caliber FN Herstal — along with 60 magazines and a speed loader concealed in the vehicle’s spare tire. One of the firearms had reportedly been stolen out of Austin. DPS said the weapons were believed to be headed to Guanajuato, Mexico.
The driver, Luis E. Torres Mujica, 30, of Guanajuato, and passenger Jesse Joe Camacho, 28, of McAllen, were arrested and charged with theft of property and firearm smuggling, a second-degree felony. Both were booked into the Hidalgo County Jail.
DPS’ Criminal Investigations Division continues to investigate the case.
