Laredo case exposes ammunition smuggling network tied to Cartel Del Noreste as 20-year-old unlawfully residing in U.S. sentenced for aiding violent criminal group

Laredo, Texas – In Laredo, a 20-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced to over five years in federal prison for his involvement in illegal ammunition possession linked to the notorious Cartel Del Noreste (CDN). Charbel Garza Macias, who had been residing unlawfully in the U.S., faced charges brought forth by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The sentencing, carried out by U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo, concluded with Macias receiving a 63-month prison term. Following his prison term, Macias, who is not a U.S. citizen, will undergo removal proceedings. The legal proceedings revealed his affiliations with CDN, a group described as brutally violent by authorities.

During his trial, evidence presented highlighted that Macias was involved in the procurement and intended smuggling of nearly 5,000 rounds of ammunition destined for Mexico. His activities were aimed at supporting the cartel’s violent operations across the border.

“This defendant’s goal was to get this ammunition to Mexico and, if he had succeeded, would have contributed to the cartels’ ongoing campaign of brutality,” Ganjei commented during the sentencing.

Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), emphasized the broader implications of such criminal activities.

“The conviction and sentence of this individual highlights the serious consequences of smuggling ammunition across international borders,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI). ICE-HSI remains committed to disrupting cross-border criminal operations and ensuring that individuals who engage in these illegal activities face the full weight of the law.”

The case unfolded when authorities, on July 16, 2024, were conducting surveillance on a vehicle suspected of transporting large quantities of high-caliber ammunition. Macias was observed loading ammunition into the trunk of this vehicle. An attempt to elude police ensued after Macias left the parking area but was subsequently stopped by law enforcement. The search that followed led to the discovery of approximately 4,800 rounds of .223/5.56 caliber ammunition. During his arrest, Macias confessed to being hired to purchase around 20,000 rounds to be smuggled into Mexico, specifically for CDN’s operations in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas.

It was revealed that Macias had no license to export ammunition or firearms and was aware of the illegality of his actions concerning ammunition smuggling into Mexico. His sentencing marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to curb the illegal arms trade that fuels violence in Mexico and threatens border security.

The investigation was led by ICE-HSI, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan L. Oliver prosecuting the case. Macias now awaits transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility, where he will begin serving his sentence, a clear message to those involved in arming violent criminal organizations that their actions will not go unpunished.