5 days ago
Polly Wanna Cross The Border? 20 Parrots Nabbed In Texas Smuggling Fiasco
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Hidalgo, Texas, made an unexpected and noisy discovery: 20 undeclared parrots stuffed inside a single vehicle.
According to a report from CBP officials, a 22-year-old woman driving a 2022 Chevy Traverse was stopped on July 7 as she attempted to enter America from Mexico. Officers flagged the suspicious vehicle for a follow-up inspection, during which they uncovered 20 large birds hidden in a bag inside the SUV.
The woman, an American citizen, was immediately arrested.
The parrots, which are protected under international and U.S. law, were later safely handed over to Texas Game Wardens, who transported them to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville.
Both Homeland Security and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have launched a criminal investigation into the woman's smuggling attempt.
'Our frontline CBP officers and agriculture specialists continue to maintain resolute vigilance amid heavy holiday weekend traffic and that mission dedication led to the interception of 20 parrots. CBP remains committed to preventing the exploitation of protected animals and the spread of animal diseases,' said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez.
Parrots fall under strict import regulations due to their protected status under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The illegal transportation of these birds can carry serious penalties and pose public health risks, including the potential spread of avian diseases.
As summer travel ramps up, CBP reminds the public that officers at all ports of entry, whether by land, air, or sea, are on constant watch for not only drugs and weapons but also wildlife trafficking.
Smuggling exotic animals is a big enough business.
In May, a woman pleaded guilty to federal charges after attempting to smuggle five diaper-wearing spider monkeys from Mexico into Texas, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Stopped on January 13 at Laredo's Port Of Entry, Priscilla Sanchez first claimed she had nothing to declare, but officers found the monkeys hidden in a warm, heavy duffel bag during a further inspection. She admitted knowing the smuggling was illegal and said she planned to sell the animals for profit. Sanchez could face up to 20 years in prison for the smuggling attempt.
