Exotic Bird Smuggling at U.S. Border Leads to Sentencing of Two Men
Two men from San Diego have been sentenced for smuggling exotic birds into the United States. Ricardo Alonzo received a three-month prison sentence for smuggling 17 birds, including protected species like red-lored Amazon parrots and Burrowing parakeets, without proper quarantine. Carlos Abundez was fined $74,330 for smuggling 14 sedated keel-billed toucans, some of which were injured during the process. These cases highlight a persistent issue at the U.S.-Mexico border, where exotic birds are often smuggled in vehicles or clothing. The birds, many native to Latin America, are sought after as pets due to their decorative nature and ability to mimic human speech. 
