A San Diego man appeared in federal court yesterday on charges of smuggling exotic live birds into the United States from Mexico. Ricardo Alonzo, 26, allegedly hid 17 birds under the seat of his vehicle while crossing into the U.S. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, as stated in a complaint filed by prosecutors.
Intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, Alonzo's car revealed four bags containing 10 Burrowing Parakeets, five Yellow-Crowned Amazon Parrots, and two Red-Lored Amazon Parrots underneath the rear seat. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the smuggling operation was dangerous not only to the birds, which resulted in the death of two Red-Lored Amazon Parrot chicks, but it could also potentially expose domestic animals and humans to diseases.
"Trafficking exotic birds isn’t just illegal — it’s cruel and dangerous," U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon pointed out. Shawn Gibson, special agent in charge of HSI San Diego, remarked on the effort to protect vulnerable wildlife: "This charge underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable wildlife and holding traffickers accountable for their crimes," he said, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Amazon parrots, which originate from various regions such as Mexico, the West Indies, and northern South America, and Burrowing Parakeets from Chile and Argentina, are listed on CITES appendices, highlighting the need for regulating their trade. Without the proper quarantine protocols, as with Alonzo, who smuggled the birds in, diseases such as Avian influenza have a conduit to spread, which can have severe repercussions for humans and poultry alike.
Charged with Importation Contrary to Law, Alonzo could face maximum penalties of twenty years and a $250,000 fine.
