Laredo woman facing criminal charges for attempting to smuggle ammunition

LAREDO, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a 40-year-old Laredo woman for attempting to smuggle goods from the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

According to the complaint originally filed in the case, Zaira Coronel attempted to pass through the Lincoln-Juarez Port of Entry in Laredo on Nov. 18. However, authorities conducted a search and allegedly discovered five boxes of ammunition on the floor of her vehicle.

The boxes contained 5,000 rounds of 7.62x39 millimeter ammunition, according to the charges.

If convicted of attempting to smuggle goods from the United States, Coronel faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of up to $250,000.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.