Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a Mexican citizen residing in San Benito for attempting to smuggle ammunition into the Republic of Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Fabian Osiel Flores-Morales, 30, attempted to depart the United States into Mexico via the outbound lane at the International Port of Entry in Los Indios March 21. Upon inspection of the 2009 Dodge Ram he was driving, authorities discovered hundreds of rounds of ammunition concealed throughout the vehicle.
The indictment alleges he attempted to export approximately 250 rounds of 9mm, 150 rounds of .45 caliber and 200 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition from the United States to the Republic of Mexico.
Flores does not have a license to export firearms or ammunition and has not applied for one, according to the charges.
Originally charged by criminal complaint, Flores-Morales remains in custody pending his arraignment.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Coronado 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.
