Reside Toucans Seized by Officers at Otay Mesa Port of Entry

Throughout an inspection, CBP officers uncovered the exotic birds wrapped in stockings and hidden inside a tourists purse on Dec. 26, authorities stated.
During an inspection, CBP officers learned the exotic birds wrapped in stockings and hidden inside of a travelers purse on Dec. 26, authorities stated.

CBP officers encountered the two vacationers, a 35-year-old male along with a 37-year-old woman, inside a 2015 Toyota Camry, trying to get entry in the U.S. with the Otay Mesa auto lanes.
Officers referred the motor vehicle for more inspection. In the course of the search, a CBP agriculture specialist discovered two live toucans concealed inside a purse.

“Smuggling are living animals, specially endangered species, is actually a really serious offense and this substantial seizure demonstrates the lengths a smuggler will go for their own financial acquire,” claimed Jenifer De La O, CBP Director of Discipline Functions in San Diego. “Our officers and agriculture professionals work challenging on a daily basis to halt these awful functions and guard our wildlife species for foreseeable future generations to delight in.”

The 2 vacationers ended up detained for attempted smuggling with the are living birds, and were being turned about to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigators and Fish and Wildlife Companies for additional processing, officials claimed.

“The stay toucans ended up placed in the secure and risk-free place.?The reside birds will remain in quarantine for veterinarian examination and good disposition,” CBP claimed.