A 25-year-old Calexico resident is awaiting trial Friday after an alleged attempt to illegally transport firearms across the California-Arizona border.
Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force (CVVCGTF) personnel were called to U.S. Border Patrol Blythe Station (PB) on Wednesday to assist a weapon seizure operation, according to a statement by Sgt. Cameron James released Thursday night.
Border Patrol Agents stopped a Honda HRV, occupied by Jose Palma Almendarez and his 17-year-old juvenile brother. During their search, officials allegedly found “a large cache of assault rifles and magazines hidden in the rear of the vehicle.”
Later interviews led Task Force Officers to believe the firearms were picked up in Phoenix, AZ and were being trafficked back into California, James said.
CVVCGTF members seized 25 assault rifles and two handguns, according to James, resulting in Palma Almendarez being booked into the Blythe Jail on suspicion of multiple weapons-related charges. The juvenile was released to his parents.
Anyone with information about the incident was encouraged to contact Gang Task Force Member Inv. Henson at 760-836-1600.