by | Published
KLEBERG COUNTY, Texas. A Mexican national was arrested Wednesday night after law enforcement officers discovered 26 handguns concealed inside a pickup truck during a traffic stop in Kleberg County, authorities said.
According to the South Texas Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force, special agents working under Operation Stonegarden alongside the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Violent Offender and Fugitive Task Force initiated a traffic stop at approximately 10 p.m. on July 8.
The traffic stop occurred on a southbound Chevrolet Silverado traveling on U.S. Highway 77 near County Road 2155.
During the investigation, special agents obtained consent to search the vehicle. The search uncovered multiple firearms hidden inside the truck's door panels. Investigators said the weapons had been wrapped in cellophane and black electrical tape in what appeared to be an effort to avoid detection.
Agents recovered a total of 26 handguns. Authorities said three of the firearms had been reported stolen from the Houston area.
Based on the investigation, law enforcement believes the firearms were being transported to Mexico.
The driver, identified as Alan Alanis Benavides, a Mexican national, was arrested and charged with three counts of theft of a firearm and one count of firearms smuggling involving three or more firearms.
Benavides was transported to the Kleberg County Jail, where he was booked pending judicial proceedings.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The South Texas Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force credited Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for assisting with the investigation.
