U.S. Border Agents Uncover Reptile Smuggling Operation at US-Mexico Border
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry uncovered a reptile smuggling operation, leading to the arrest of Georgina Bribiesca Chavez, 66, of Tijuana. Chavez was apprehended while attempting to cross into the U.S. in a Volkswagen containing four venomous pit vipers, three caimans, a baby crocodile, and over 60 other reptiles hidden in a compartment behind the rear bench seat. The discovery was made after an arrest warrant for Chavez, related to a long-term wildlife trafficking investigation, was identified during a routine identification check. Her vehicle was seized, and a subsequent inspection revealed the concealed animals in pillowcases. This arrest is part of a larger federal investigation into a years-long scheme involving Chavez and her alleged trafficking partner, Salvador Pelayo, 28, of Chula Vista, who was arrested in July. Prosecutors state that the pair trafficked exotic reptiles into and out of the U.S. to sell to American buyers, making tens of thousand... 
