EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) — A drug-sniffing dog followed his nose and alerted border officers to a keel-billed toucan and 21 parrots that a woman attempted to smuggle into the country, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.
The bird bust happened about 7 p.m. Saturday at the Tecate Port of Entry in Tecate, California.
Officers were conducting “pre-primary inspections” when the dog alerted them to a sedan driven by a 35-year-old woman.
The K-9 team discovered 21 parrots and one keel-billed toucan in boxes and cages hidden under a blanket in the trunk.
CBP said the parrots and toucan were immediately placed in a safe and secure area where USDA Veterinary Services will keep them under quarantine to ensure they are not affected by avian disease.
“Engaging in wildlife trafficking is illegal and can result in significant fines, imprisonment, and other legal penalties,” said Rosa E. Hernandez, Port Director for the Otay Mesa and Tecate Ports of Entry. “CBP upholds numerous state and local laws to stop smuggling attempts like these, which could result in the trafficking of potentially endangered species.”
The officers turned the woman, whose nationality is unknown, over to Homeland Security Investigations agents and Fish and Wildlife Services, who continue to investigate the smuggling attempt.
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