Illegal immigrant in Texas who purchased thousands of rounds for Mexican drug cartel gets 5 years in prison

Charbel Garza Macias pleaded guilty on Oct. 8, 2024, to illegally possessing ammunition after he was found with 4,8000 rounds during a traffic stop. 

"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," said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. "Those who work to arm, supply, fund or otherwise aid these organizations take notice; you are going to be found and prosecuted."

Macias attempted to elude law enforcement as they followed him after departing the parking lot, federal prosecutors said. 

During a traffic stop, authorities found 4,800 rounds of .223/5.56 caliber ammunition in the vehicle. At the time, Macias admitted that he was hired by the CDN to buy 20,000 rounds to be smuggled into Mexico. 

In exchange for smuggling the ammunition, Macias expected to be paid $600 per transaction, the Laredo Morning Times reported, citing a federal affidavit.