TUCSON – A Phoenix woman has been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle over 20,000 rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm (AK-47) caliber ammunition into Mexico. Jennifer Hernandez, 22, is accused of attempting to illegally export goods from the United States.
Hernandez was charged with 18 USC 554; Smuggling Goods from the U.S. Special agents seized the vehicle and ammunition.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).
According to HSI, Hernandez’s arrest resulted from a joint effort involving a DPS traffic stop on the vehicle driven by Hernandez which was traveling eastbound on Interstate 10. The ammunition was discovered during a subsequent search of the vehicle.
Special agents seized the vehicle and ammunition.
“The investigative effort and teamwork displayed in this case is another example of the great partnerships we strive to build with our local and federal agencies,” said Scott Brown, special agent in charge of the HSI Phoenix office. “The amount of work invested by both law enforcement agencies culminated in an extremely dangerous type of ammunition caliber being seized and prevented their possible use for harm.”
If convicted, Hernandez faces a possible sentence of 10 years in federal prison.