CBP, LA law enforcement seize more than 52,000 gun parts from China

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorities said a Los Angeles / Long Beach Seaport law enforcement collaboration recently resulted in the seizure of 52,601 illegal firearms parts.

The shipment, which violated the Chinese Arms Embargo, was intercepted with the aid of the Machinery Center of Excellence and Expertise (CEE) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The sights, stocks, muzzles, brakes, buffer kits, and grips had a combined domestic value of $378,225.

“This seizure is an exceptional example of CBP officers and import specialists vigilance, commitment and keen focus in enforcing complex arms embargo regulations,” Carlos C. Martel, CBP director of Field Operations in Los Angeles, said. “The Chinese Arms Embargo is just one of the hundreds of regulations CBP enforces, ensuring the safety and security of our country.”

LaFonda Sutton-Burke, CBP port director of the LA / Long Beach Seaport, said the agency works with strategic partners to ensure import compliance while maintaining the highest standards of security at our nation’s largest seaport.

“This interception underscores the successful collaboration between CBP officers, import specialists, and ATF investigators,” she said.

CBP personnel referred the items to ATF investigators, who confirmed the firearm parts were in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 27 CFR 447.52.