A Mexican national has been charged with federal offenses after authorities discovered nearly 14,000 rounds of ammunition during a traffic stop in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Court records indicate that on August 14, 2025, an officer with Las Cruces Metro Narcotics stopped a vehicle driven by Luis Carlos Martinez Monge for speeding. During the stop, officers found 699 boxes of ammunition concealed in the vehicle. Monge reportedly told law enforcement that he was transporting the ammunition for someone else and had received $1,600 for expenses, with an agreement to be paid an additional $200 per box. He admitted knowing it was illegal for him as a nonimmigrant tourist to transport ammunition and said he had hidden the boxes.
Authorities seized a total of 13,980 rounds of ammunition, along with the vehicle and $1,340 in cash. Monge is facing charges as an alien in possession of ammunition and will remain in custody while awaiting trial. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
“Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso, made the announcement today.”
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations El Paso with help from Las Cruces Metro Narcotics and the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Saltman.
“A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
