HIDALGO, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — A San Juan woman was sentenced to federal prison this week for smuggling nearly 40 firearms into Mexico, including 33 AK-47s.
Jessica Alvarado, 33, was sentenced to 3. According to records, a smuggler pleaded guilty to smuggling products from the US and served eight years in prison. Alvarado agreed to drop an further count of possession of a controlled substance in January.
On Jan. 31, 2023, U. S. A Ford F-150 that was attempting to enter Mexico was inspected by Customs and Border Protection officials at the Hidalgo port of entry.
Alvarado, who is a U. S. resident, was identified as the vehicle. She was asked if she had extra income, weapon or weapons, to which she replied, not.
After officials noticed the truck’s bed was “abnormally elevated,” the issue stated, the car was referred to a secondary inspection.
At that point, Homeland Security Investigations, along with Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms special agencies, responded to help with the research.
Alvarado initially told police that the F-150 had been taken to Mexico and was being transported there. Afterward, according to the problem, she claimed to have driven the F-150 from Houston to her San Juan home. She believed she was moving improper items.
“A total of ( 33 ) AK-47s, ( 3 ) AR-15s, ( 1 ). 22 Long rifle, ( 2 ),. 45 caliber handguns, and ( 38 ) magazines were extracted from the bed of the F-150 truck that Alvarado was attempting to smuggle into Mexico, ” the complaint stated.
HSI and the San Juan Police Department searched Alvarado’s home, where they found two firearms and approximately$ 10,000 in cash. Also, the U. S. The research revealed 499 ounces of a grainy substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, according to the attorney’s office.
Her bond was set at$ 50,000, and on March 10, she was released on bond after making a$ 2,500 deposit.
The court was informed at the hearing that Alvarado admitted to dealing methamphetamine on many occasions and that these weapons frequently land in the fingers of the cartel.
“Alvarado U.S. officials said they tried to sneak harmful arms across the southern borders, which could have had disastrous results. S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. This may serve as a reminder to those who illegally use weapons against others and pay a price for it. An AK-47 or AR-15 does n’t belong in the hands of a criminal. ”
Alvarado will not be released on bond and will turn herself in at a later time to assist her word.
