Mexican nationals charged after hauling 180,000 rounds of ammunition in Colorado

Two Mexican nationals, Caesar Ramon Martinez Solis, 41, and Humberto Ivan Amador Gavira, 24, were recently arrested in Colorado during a routine traffic stop. The two individuals were found to be transporting a staggering 180,000 rounds of ammunition. The U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Colorado released a statement confirming the arrest.

The arrest took place in Canon City on March 26, when two Fremont County detectives observed a white Chevrolet van committing several traffic violations. The van failed to dim its headlights, neglected to signal a turn, and had a defective license plate lamp. Subsequently, the detectives pulled over the vehicle.

Upon conducting a search of the van, the detectives discovered around 150 boxes of .308 ammunition and approximately 30 boxes of 7.62 ammunition. Each box was labeled to contain 1,000 rounds of ammunition. The sheer quantity of ammunition raised suspicions and prompted further investigation.

During questioning, Martinez Solis revealed that he and Amador Garcia, who he claimed was his brother-in-law, had traveled from Mexico to Denver to purchase a vehicle. They then planned to drive to Salt Lake City to inspect another vehicle of interest. While in Salt Lake City, Amador Garcia purchased the ammunition from a firearms and ammunition store.

Martinez Solis admitted that he was unaware of the specific intent behind the purchase of the ammunition but believed it was intended for Pueblo, a city located south of Denver in Colorado. He mentioned that the destination was saved on Amador Garcia’s phone, although the exact location was not disclosed.

Both Martinez Solis and Amador Garcia were charged with Unlawful Possession of Ammunition by Alien Admitted Under a Nonimmigrant Visa. The case is currently under investigation by the Denver Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and the Denver Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

This incident is part of Operation Take Back America, a federal initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations. The authorities are diligently working to ensure the safety and security of the community in light of this concerning discovery.