U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo intercepted three live parrots on January 4 during a vehicle inspection, breaking up an alleged wildlife smuggling operation.
CBP officers referred a 2022 GMC Denali for secondary inspection as it attempted to cross from Mexico into the United States. During the search, officers discovered three red-lored parrots concealed in the passenger’s belongings. The birds are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, making their smuggling a federal offense.
Officers arrested both the 39-year-old male Mexican driver and 37-year-old female U.S. citizen passenger. Homeland Security Investigations initiated a criminal investigation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service took custody of the birds.
“Smuggling birds poses significant risks,” said Alberto Flores, Laredo Port Director. “Birds may carry various diseases that endanger native wildlife and U.S. agriculture, which could lead to serious economic impacts.”
Smuggling wildlife into the United States carries serious penalties, including fines and imprisonment. CBP works with the Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to intercept smugglers and prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases at ports of entry along the border.
