Former El Paso Businessman Indicted On Ammunition Smuggling Scheme

A former el paso businessman has been indicted in an alleged smuggling scheme involving ammunition.

Hector Ayala is the former owner of Uniforms of Texas.

Federal authorities say he was involved in a plot to smuggle bullets, weapons magazines and bulletproof vests to Mexico.

According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s office, Ayala is accused of hiding and helping with “the transportation of multiple calibers and quantities of ammunition; approximately 300 high capacity ammunition magazines and drums; and, approximately 800 ballistic vests with ceramic plates.”

The alleged two-year scheme included financial transactions with proceeds derived from sales.

The indictment states Ayala structured cash transactions under $10,000 to avoid financial reporting requirements.

ICE/Homeland Security Investigations agents executed a federal search warrant at Uniforms of Texas last December.

The shop, located on Montana Avenue near the airport, was swarmed by agents who seized loads of evidence.

The 48-year-old Ayala could face up to 60 years in prison if convicted.