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Smugglers use empty batteries to sneak guns, 23,500 rounds of ammo out of Florida, officials say

MIAMI — Two men were behind bars after U.S. Customs officials said they found handguns, high-capacity magazines and 23,500 rounds of ammunition destined for Venezuela at Miami International Airport.

Jose Alexander Gutierrez Morales and Alfredo Montilla Hernandez were arrested in connection with the shipment after a five-month investigation, court documents show.

On April 16, customs officials intercepted a suspicious shipment coming into Miami from Maracaibo, Venezuela, containing 25 car batteries that had been gutted and modified compartments installed, officials said.

The batteries were completely empty and agents allowed the shipment to go forward, tracking it to a residence in the 3800 block of SW 132 Avenue in Miami, court documents show.

Agents surveilled the home until late October, when they reported seeing Morales and Hernandez load up a truck and drove a pallet to the airport.

Customs officers intercepted the shipment and upon opening it, found the same batteries that were now stuffed with weapons, ammunition and magazines, investigators said.

When Morales and Hernandez were later pulled over while driving in a gray Hyundai SUV, officers found two handguns, four AR-15 assault rifles and 1,721 rounds of ammunition, a criminal complaint in the case said.

The two men were arrested on smuggling, exportation and conspiracy-related charges.