LAREDO, Texas (CN) - A pair of undocumented Mexican nationals face up to 10 years in federal prison after admitting during a traffic stop they had just picked up 27,000 bullets for an unidentified buyer.
During the traffic stop, Abraham Garcia-Perguero, 35, and Maria Isabel Rodriguez-Olivio, 33, told officers they expected to be paid between $400 and $500 for picking up and delivering the ammo, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The couple, who were both living in Laredo, pleaded guilty Monday to possessing the ammo.
"On March 14, 2012, Laredo Police Department (LPD) patrol officers stopped a 2001 Dodge Ram pick-up truck driven by Garcia-Peguero for failing to stop at a stop-sign," prosecutors said in a statement. "Rodriguez-Olivio and their minor daughter were passengers and officers observed several boxes of ammunition inside.
"A total of 27 boxes were identified in the bed of the pick-up truck containing a total of 27,000 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition.
"Officers also found a box of 50 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition and an unloaded extended magazine for a .40 Glock pistol in the cab of the truck.
"Garcia-Perguero and Rodriguez-Olivio admitted they had just picked up the ammunition and Glock magazine from a local gun store in Laredo and were taking it to someone who was waiting for them near the Exotica's Gentleman's Club."
Both have been jailed since their arrest and will not be allowed to bond out, prosecutors said.
Weapons possession charges also carry a maximum $250,000 fine.
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