(The Center Square) – A rocket launcher and “rocket-propelled grenades” were headed into Mexico before it was thwarted by United States Customs and Border Protection in Nogales, Ariz.
CBP explained that the weapons taken on Dec. 28 would likely be used to support the drug cartels.
“Great interception!” Port Director Michael W. Humphries tweeted on Tuesday.
“CBP officers working outbound operations at the Nogales POE seized a rocket launcher and 2 rocket-propelled grenades hidden in a car headed to Mexico. The cache was likely intended to protect the cartels and their fentanyl production labs in Mexico,” he continued.
The confiscation comes at a time when President-elect Donald Trump is vowing for major policy changes at the border, including dubbing the cartels as terrorist organizations, according to Reuters. The decision to escalate what the cartels are classified as could signal a change in strategy in how the U.S. government faces them, as the groups are already major causes for illicit drug trafficking into the country.
In addition, the Republican is expected to bring back the “Remain in Mexico” policy for migrants crossing illegally and resume the construction of the border wall.
The Port of Nogales is considered a hub for trade and migration in the Tucson sector of Arizona.