Man allegedly tries to smuggle rifle parts, ammunition to Mexico
SAN DIEGO — A Mexican national has been arrested on suspicion of trying to smuggle a load of assault rifle parts and ammunition into Mexico, officials said.
The 52-year-old man, a lawful resident of the U.S., was arrested after Customs and Border Protection officers found 17 high-powered rifle components and seven high-capacity magazines in his 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan, officials said.
A total of 2,360 rounds of ammunition were found concealed in the battery compartment of a motorized wheelchair in the minivan, officials said.
The man, whose name was not released, was booked into the federal jail in downtown San Diego to await charges. The minivan was seized.
The arrest occurred Tuesday at the Otay Mesa border crossing.
Twitter: @LATsandiego
tony.perry@latimes.com
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