California Border Patrol Seizes 25 Semi-Automatic Rifles Being Smuggled to Mexican Cartel

Border Patrol Agents at the California and Arizona border have seized 25 AK-style rifles, two handguns, and ammunition magazines that they believe were en route to a Mexican cartel.

The massive seizure took place on Wednesday in Blythe.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said in a press release that the driver, Jose Palma Almendarez, a 25-year-old from Calexico, and his 17-year-old juvenile brother had the large cache of assault rifles and magazines hidden in the rear of the vehicle.

The press release explained, “During the investigation, Border Patrol Agents at the California and Arizona border contacted the driver, Jose Palma Almendarez, a 25-year-old from Calexico, and his 17-year-old juvenile brother in a Honda CRV. BP Agents discovered a large cache of assault rifles and magazines hidden in the rear of the vehicle. Through interviews, Task Force Officers later learned the firearms were picked up in Phoenix, AZ, and were being trafficked back into California.”

“CVVCGTF members were able to seize 25 assault rifles and two handguns. Palma Almendarez was ultimately booked into the Blythe Jail for several weapon-related charges. The male juvenile was released to his parents,” the press release added.

Breitbart News reports:

Law enforcement officers assigned to the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force (CVVCGTF) responded to the U.S. Border Patrol Blythe Station to assist with the weapons seizure and investigation. Based on initial interviews with both suspects, authorities believe the weapons were originally picked up by the pair in Phoenix, Arizona, and were ultimately destined for Mexico. The weapons were found in the cargo compartment of a Honda CRV crossover.

Blythe sits 100 miles north of the Mexican state of Sonora. As reported by Breitbart Texas, clandestine gravesites in the state were recently discovered — evidence of violent clashes between Mexican cartel members. Splinter groups within the Sinaloa Cartel that controls the state have been engaged in internal battles and are largely responsible for the most recent skirmishes in Sonora. The Sinaloa Cartel is also at odds with its rival Juarez Cartel to the east. The weapons seized Wednesday may have been destined for this region of the U.S./Mexico border.

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