Wilmington, Delaware - Federal authorities seized a handgun, three magazines and 247 rounds of ammunition during a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) led outbound inspection at the Port of Wilmington, Delaware, July 26.

CBP and U.S. Coast Guard examined a container destined for Honduras.  The contents were manifested as “personal effects, toys and household goods.” A CBP mobile x-ray scan identified anomalies inside large buckets of black flashing cement that appeared to be a firearm and munitions.  The multi-agency team opened the buckets and discovered the 9mm Beretta handgun, three magazines, and 9mm ammo concealed within tin foil and plastic coated in the tar-like flashing cement.

It is illegal to export firearms, weapons parts and ammunition without a federal license and permit from the U.S. Department of Commerce or the U.S. Department of State.

“This outbound weapon seizure is an excellent example of outstanding collaboration between Customs and Border Protection and our Coast Guard and Delaware National Guard Counterdrug Task Force partners, with each organization contributing unique authorities and capabilities to enforce U.S. laws,” said Casey Durst, CBP’s Director of the Baltimore Field Office.  “Ultimately, we don’t want these illegally exported weapons ending up in the hands of criminals or criminal organizations, here or abroad.”