Ten live birds found taped inside passenger’s trousers at Miami airport
A passenger arriving in Miami from Cuba was arrested after US customs officers found ten live birds concealed in six taped plastic tubes sewn into his trousers. The case highlights attempts to move protected wildlife across borders and the importance of declaring animals to customs.
Officers said Alberto Hernandez Castillo appeared nervous and had an unexplained bulge, prompting a secondary inspection on 4 October. He had not declared wildlife and reportedly said the birds were for personal use before invoking his right to remain silent; he was charged with smuggling goods, released on a $5,000 bond and is due in court on 26 October. The birds were eight yellow-faced grassquits and two blue grosbeaks, species commonly involved in the illegal bird trade.
- Ten live birds were found concealed in a passenger’s trousers.
- The Miami-bound traveller had not declared any wildlife.
- He was released on a $5,000 bond and faces arraignment on 26 October.
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Wildlife smuggling is the illegal movement of animals across international borders, driven by demand from buyers willing to pay high prices for rare or exotic species. It affects both common animals and those at risk of extinction, making it a significant concern for wildlife conservation and border security.
Certain tropical bird species are heavily targeted by smugglers because they are valued as pets or for other uses in the countries where they are smuggled to. Small songbirds from the Caribbean and Central America, in particular, have become common targets of the illegal bird trade.
US customs officials conduct routine inspections at airports to intercept smuggled wildlife, particularly on routes from countries known for wildlife trafficking. Those caught smuggling protected animals face serious criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Budgie smuggler: Passenger with ‘unexplained bulge’ is caught sneaking ten live birds past US border control”.