Two men caught smuggling 21 live birds in underwear at Miami airport

US Customs and Border Protection arrested two men at Miami International Airport this week, each accused of smuggling live birds in their underwear.

Hernandez Castillo arrived on a nonstop flight from Cuba with a carry-on and a fanny pack, Simple Flying reported. He declared "no" to all customs questions. CBP agents noticed an unexplained bulge in his front pelvic area and that he appeared nervous. During a pat-down in a secure area, agents found six plastic tubes sewn into his underwear. Inside the tubes were 10 live birds: yellow-faced Grassquits and Blue Grosbeaks. Blue Grosbeaks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and cannot be kept as pets in the US without a federal permit. Castillo told CBP the birds were for personal use. He was charged with smuggling goods and released on a $25,000 personal surety bond. His arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 26.

Earlier in the week, Robert Perez Quincosa also arrived at Miami International Airport. He wore a belt-like garment holding 11 live birds, Simple Flying reported. The tubes in the belt were made from hair rollers with holes, capped with netting. Quincosa carried six Cuban Melodious finches and five Cuban Bull finches. He told officers he knew bringing birds into the US was unlawful and planned to breed and sell the birds domestically. He was charged with smuggling goods.

Bringing birds into the United States is tightly regulated by CBP and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Simple Flying notes that foreign birds can carry diseases that threaten domestic poultry and wildlife, and that many species are protected under conservation laws. Permits and a 30-day quarantine are required for the few types of birds allowed. Imports of more than six birds are classified as commercial, triggering additional quarantine, testing and facility requirements.

Both men now face federal smuggling charges.

• bird smuggling
• Hernandez Castillo
• Miami International Airport
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act
• Robert Perez Quincosa
• US Customs and Border Protection