Ports of entry are opportunities for those who live in border areas, as it allows people to go to another country to visit and those with a double nationality can work or study in the United States. These areas also have some disadvantages as criminals use them to smuggle drugs, products, items, and even animals.

Toucan and 21 parrots are found inside car trying to cross into California

On Saturday, March 9, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discovered a 35-year-old woman trying to smuggle birds into the United States at the Tecate port of entry.

The animals were identified by a detection dog who sniffed a Sedan during a prior inspection. After the car was inspected, agents found a total of 21 parrots and a keel-billed toucan. They were found in cages and boxes hidden in a blanket in the car's trunk.

CBP agents explained that the parrots and the toucan were placed in a safe environment where the USDA Veterinary Services will keep them in quarantine in order to ensure that they don't carry any bird diseases.

"Engaging in wildlife trafficking is illegal and can result in significant fines, imprisonment, and other legal penalties. CBP upholds numerous state and local laws to stop smuggling attempts like these, which could result in the trafficking of potentially endangered species,” Rosa E. Hernandez, Port Director for the Otay Mesa and Tecate Ports of Entry, stated.

So far, the woman's nationality is unknown. She was handed over to the proper authorities while agents of Homeland Security Investigations and Fish and Wildlife Services will investigate this smuggling attempt.

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