Airport security stopped Florida passenger after noticing ‘unexplained bulge’ under his clothing; it turned out his smuggled cargo was alive
US Customs and Border Protection officers have to remain vigilant and always keep an eye out for suspicious passengers. Preventing smuggling is part of the job for CBP officers, and they’ve probably seen all there is to see– well, almost. Officers at Miami International Airport were no doubt more than a little taken aback by what they found after spotting one particularly suspicious passenger.
According to court documents obtained by Fox News, airport officers noticed what was described as an “unexplained bulge” around the passenger’s waist and pelvic area. The passenger had arrived in Miami from Havana, Cuba, on October 4, according to a federal complaint.
Upon closer inspection, officers discovered that the suspect, whose name was Alberto Hernandez Castillo, was allegedly trying to smuggle animals into the country. In a shocking twist, the animals were actually found to be alive. All in all, 10 live birds were hidden beneath his clothing. According to Fox, Castillo was a native of Cuba and a legal permanent resident in the US.
Castillo was selected for a secondary inspection
CBP officers selected the passenger for a secondary inspection, where they searched his carry-on bag and fanny pack but found no contraband in either. He also signed a customs declaration stating that he was not bringing animals or wildlife into the United States.
However, during routine questioning regarding Castillo’s trip, officers noticed that he “appeared nervous.” They also spotted a bulge beneath his clothing, prompting them to conduct a pat-down, during which they found six cylindrical containers wrapped in tape and stuffed into black pockets that were sewn into his underwear. The containers were holding live birds.
All in all, 10 birds- eight yellow-faced grassquits and two blue grosbeaks- were recovered from the hidden containers according to the complaint. Photographs were also included, which showed the containers as well as how Castillo had allegedly concealed them in his clothing.
When questioned about the birds, Castillo allegedly told officers that they were for “personal use.” He subsequently invoked his right to remain silent.
He was later charged with smuggling goods into the United States after investigators looking into his case confirmed that he had not filed the required documentation to allow him to legally import the wildlife into the country.
“Based on the records available at the time of inspection,” there was no evidence that Castillo had “submitted the documentation required for the lawful importation of wildlife,” the complaint states. According to fws.gov, the “importation of injurious wildlife into the United States” requires a permit.
The court records recommended a $25,000 personal surety bond for Castillo following the bizarre incident. He is expected to make an appearance in court on October 26.
(Featured image: United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, frankieleon, CC BY 2.0.)
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