Florida Traveler Alberto Hernandez Castillo Apprehended at Miami Airport for Smuggling Live Birds in Underwear
Alberto Hernandez Castillo, a legal permanent resident of the United States, was apprehended at Miami International Airport after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered 10 live birds concealed in his underwear. Castillo arrived on a flight from Havana, Cuba, on October 4. CBP officers noticed an 'unexplained bulge' around his waist and pelvic area during an inspection, despite Castillo having signed a customs declaration stating he was not bringing animals or wildlife into the U.S. A pat-down revealed six clear cylindrical containers, wrapped in tape and tucked into black pockets sewn into his underwear, each holding live birds. The birds were preliminarily identified as eight yellow-faced grassquits and two blue grosbeaks. Castillo allegedly told authorities the birds were for 'personal use' before invoking his right to remain silent. Records indicate he had not filed the necessary documentation for legal wildlife importation.
