Woman attempts to smuggle ammunition in spare tire

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A woman from Channelview, Texas has been sentenced for attempting to smuggle thousands of rounds of ammunition in a spare tire, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Maria Tapia-Aguilar, 52, was sentenced to over 4 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

On Nov. 6, 2019, law enforcement observed Tapia-Aguilar purchasing large amounts of ammunition at a local store in Edinburg, according to documents.

After, she engaged in strange driving behavior and committed a traffic violation. Authorities then conducted a traffic stop which resulted in the discovery of ammunition hidden in the vehicle's spare tire, a release stated.

Tapia-Aguilar admitted to possessing 3,580 rounds of ammunition, including seven different calibers for transport to Mexico. She also informed law enforcement that this was not the first time she exported ammunition to Mexico.

“3,500 rounds and seven different calibers – not child’s play,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. “We have laws in place for a reason, and we can never know in whose hands these items may be at any given time if people try to circumvent those rules. Exporting ammunition can be just as dangerous as the weapons themselves as it not only endangers U.S. citizens but also puts the lives of those on both sides of our border at risk, especially if in the arms of criminals.”

Tapia-Aguilar is permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.