Feds Seize 100 Firearm Silencers Headed for U.S. Citizens' Homes

“An important part of the CBP mission is the facilitation of legitimate trade,” said CBP Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Acting Area Port Director, Raul Orona. “That process includes CBP officers examining shipments to ensure they comply with U.S. federal laws and regulations.”

In this case, the shipments contained weapon parts manifested as equipment.  In all instances, the importer was not licensed to import weapons.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulates and restricts firearms and ammunition. Importation of weapons or ammunition must be made by a licensed importer, dealer or manufacturer.

“CBP officers are trained, experienced and vigilant in targeting and identifying shipments that are mis-manifested,” said (A)PD Orona. “A shipment containing improperly manifested items may appear as a legitimate or harmless commodity but may in fact be a tactic used by duplicitous importers to avoid further examination. We work hard to identify shipments containing dangerous commodities and intercepting shipments of illegal firearms ensures they stay off our community streets.”    

 In addition to its own regulations, CBP enforces over 400 laws on behalf of over 40 other U.S. Government agencies. A large number of these import restrictions and requirements are designed to protect the American people from dangerous and illegal goods. CBP has undertaken a number of initiatives, such as the use of non-intrusive inspection technology, to increase its ability to examine cargo effectively without slowing the flow of trade, which plays a significant part in the U.S. economy.