Reynosa man sent to prison for attempting to smuggle several firearms to Mexico

McALLEN, Texas - A 24-year-old resident of Reynosa, Mexico, has been sentenced for attempting to smuggle multiple firearms to Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Guadalupe Mendiola-Urbina pleaded guilty March 21, 2023.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Mendiola-Urbina to serve 38 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Mendiola-Urbina is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

On May 18, 2022, Mendiola-Urbina entered the United States through the Hidalgo Port of Entry in a vehicle. He was found to be in possession of $4,000 at the time he entered. That same day, Mendiola-Urbina attempted to leave the United States and enter Mexico through the Hidalgo Port of Entry in the same vehicle.

Upon inspection, authorities discovered seven Glock pistols and eight firearm magazines concealed in his vehicle. Mendiola-Urbina admitted to hiding the firearms and magazines in the vehicle to take them to Mexico.

Mendiola-Urbina will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the joint investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case.