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Man Caught With 10 Live Songbirds Hidden in Underwear
7 Oct
Summary
- Ten live songbirds were discovered in a passenger's underwear at Miami International Airport.
- The U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found the birds during a secondary inspection.
- The man faces charges for smuggling protected bird species without required permits.
A Cuban national, Alberto Hernandez Castillo, was arrested on October 4th at Miami International Airport after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found ten live songbirds hidden in his underwear. Hernandez Castillo arrived on a flight from Havana and was selected for a secondary inspection. During the inspection, officers noticed an unexplained bulge and his nervous demeanor. A pat-down revealed six plastic tubes containing the birds concealed in his underwear. The birds included protected species, such as yellow-faced grassquits and blue grosbeaks. These species are commonly smuggled for illegal sale or singing competitions. Hernandez Castillo claimed the birds were for his "personal use" and subsequently invoked his right to remain silent. He failed to declare the wildlife or obtain the necessary permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Federal prosecutors recommended a $25,000 bond for his release pending trial, with the court hearing date yet to be determined.
