Turkey is a Canary-winged parakeet housed with other parakeets and cockatiels in the small bird aviary.
San Diego, California – A 54-year-old Mexican citizen is facing federal charges after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered a bizarre and disturbing smuggling attempt at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry: twelve protected Orange Fronted Parakeets crammed inside his boots and stuffed into a seat cushion of his SUV.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Naim Lajud Libien was attempting to cross the border in his 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee on the afternoon of April 29 when authorities decided that he needed a secondary inspection.
Agents quickly became suspicious after noticing unusual bulges around his ankles.
After conducting a pat-down for officer safety, inspectors found six live parakeets—three in each boot—bound at the feet and wrapped tightly in panty hose. The method of concealment was not only cruel, officials say, but also caused injuries to the birds, two of which later died. A third appeared to have a broken neck.
The story took an even stranger turn the following day when CBP officers, investigating the impounded vehicle, heard high-pitched chirping sounds coming from inside the car. Upon dismantling the passenger seat, they found six additional birds hidden inside the cushion, similarly bound and in distress. Of the six, two were dead and three were reported to be in poor condition.
“These animals were denied basic care and stuffed into confined, dangerous spaces,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Smuggling at the border takes many forms, but the tragic impact on animals forced into such perilous conditions is deeply troubling. We are committed to holding accountable those who endanger wildlife and public health through these reckless and inhumane smuggling practices.”
The Orange-Fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis) is native to western Mexico and Costa Rica and has been listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) since 2005. Importing such birds requires strict quarantine procedures, which Lajud Libien allegedly ignored.
Officials emphasize that quarantine requirements are vital not just for animal welfare, but also for public safety. Birds can carry zoonotic diseases such as avian influenza, psittacosis, and histoplasmosis—all of which pose serious risks to humans and domestic animal populations.
Lajud Libien has been charged with importation contrary to law and remains in federal custody. Veterinary Services is caring for the surviving birds.
Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious wildlife trafficking activity, as animal smuggling continues to threaten endangered species and global health.
