Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
LAREDO, Texas – A 21-year-old San Antonio man has been sentenced for smuggling a stolen weapon and other firearms out of the country.
Ivan Alexys Oseguera Vara pleaded guilty Aug. 19.
U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen has now ordered Vara to serve 30 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. He must also pay a $2,100 fine. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that described how Vara had previously purchased seven firearms in his name, and their whereabouts are now unknown. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that smuggling firearms into Mexico is not a victimless crime.
On June 3, Vara drove a gray Honda Civic to the Colombia Solidarity International Bridge. He claimed to not have any firearms, ammunition or large amounts cash and was just traveling from his San Antonio home to Mexico.
During a secondary inspection, law enforcement uncovered multiple bundles wrapped in plastic and hidden within the rear bumper, undercarriage and center console. A K-9 also alerted to the vehicle.
Authorities ultimately discovered 59 rounds of ammunition, eight magazines and six firearms – three rifles and three pistols. The investigation further revealed none of the weapons were registered to Vara, and one of the handguns had been reported stolen.
Vara has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.
Updated December 22, 2025
