LAREDO, Texas – A U.S. citizen man residing in Nuevo Laredo has been charged with attempting to smuggle multiple firearms and ammunition magazines to Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson along with Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“Stopping the smuggling of weapons, ammunition and other related items is a top priority for HSI,” said Folden. "We will continue working with law enforcement partners in this effort.”
“Reducing border violence by interfering with the smuggling of firearms into Mexico provides an additional layer of safety for our community,” said Milanowski.
A grand jury returned an indictment against Iram Abel Buentello, 23, today. He was originally charged by criminal complaint and made an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga who ordered him into custody pending further criminal proceedings. He is expected to make his initial appearance on the indictment in the near future.
On Feb. 1, 2017, Buentello allegedly attempted to exit the U.S. in a pickup truck at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge II in downtown Laredo. According to the charges, he stated he came to Laredo to purchase cologne and was returning to his home in Nuevo Laredo. At the time, Buentello allegedly advised U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers that he had no weapons to declare.
The charges allege a search of the truck he was driving revealed five rifles, six handguns, two shotguns, six ammunition magazines and four scopes under the truck’s bed.
Buentello is charged with one count of attempting to export firearms and components from the U.S. without a license. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
HSI and ATF conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Howard is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.