⏱ 3 min read
A Chinese national, Xuemei Zhao, 54, was caught red-handed trying to smuggle an undeclared firearm through Provo Airport in Utah.
On March 20, 2025, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents discovered a black Rossi Braztech Int’l .357 Magnum revolver pistol in Zhao’s checked luggage. The firearm and 9 rounds of .357 ammunition were not disclosed by Zhao prior to delivering the suitcase to American Airlines.
Also found in her luggage was $10,900 in cash hidden away. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that Zhao arrived in the U.S. on a tourist visa with a pending asylum application.
Zhao, an illegal alien, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a restricted person (alien) on April 29, 2025. U.S. District Court Judge Howard C. Nielson Jr. sentenced Zhao to time served, approximately one year in prison.
Zhao’s sentence was enhanced due to the court’s finding that she possessed the firearm in connection with other illegal conduct, commercial sex work. Zhao will now be remanded to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation proceedings.
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