South Texas man arrested following seizure of weapons, drugs and ammunition

DEL RIO, Texas — A South Texas man was arrested following a joint search warrant executed on Wednesday that resulted in seizing drugs, ammunition, firearms and prohibited weapons. The investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Armando Sanchez, 57, was arrested Oct. 27 following the execution of a search warrant at a residence allegedly being used as a distribution point for narcotics located on the 1100 block of Dignowity Street.

Agents and officers seized the following items: 5.26 grams of crack cocaine, 27.5 grams of powder cocaine, 22.88 grams of marijuana, five rifles (non-assault), three handguns, 123 rounds of ammunition, a ballistic vest, miscellaneous firearm parts, rifle and handgun magazines (various calibers), prohibited weapons (brass knuckles, knives, etc.), small baggies for distributing narcotics, and several crack pipes.

Sanchez is being charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics (with an enhancement for possessing a weapon in the commission of the crime). No trial date has been set.

This ICE HSI investigation is being conducted with the assistance of the following agencies: the DEA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Border Patrol, the Del Rio Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Seal, Western District of Texas, is prosecuting the case.