New details emerge surrounding Arizona’s ammunition bust

Phoenix – On January 19th, officials in Cochise County provided updates regarding significant ammunition busts that occurred earlier in the month.

The operations took place in mid-January as part of a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies.

“These people were arrested, and it did a lot of work,” said Sheriff Mark Dannel of Cochise County.

The bust was associated with tens of thousands of bullets

A statement from the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office noted that the arrests involved two vehicles traveling east from Interstate 10, coming from the Phoenix area.

According to the announcement, authorities seized around 10,000 rounds of .50 caliber ammunition and nearly 20,000 rounds of 7.62×39 ammunition.

The individuals in the vehicles have been identified as three asylum seekers. One individual is a US citizen from Texas with Cuban roots.

As for the details, a CCSO official noted, “The vehicle with the 7.62×39 ammunition was connected with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. Meanwhile, the second vehicle carrying the .50 caliber rounds was located by CNTA investigators at a Motel 6 in Benson.”

Bernard Zapau, a former ATF special agent now teaching at Arizona State University, remarked, “US ammunition is highly sought after in Mexico. It holds significant value.” He suggested the operations exhibited characteristics often associated with cartel activities.

Zapau pointed out interesting aspects of the busts, indicating that the way the ammunition was transported seemed rather conspicuous for such operations. “It was stored openly in an SUV, signaling a clear route to Mexico,” he added.

Cochise County officials indicated that the investigation is still active and is being led by the Department of Homeland Security along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.