Five live parrots intercepted at Paso Del Norte bridge

EL PASO, Texas – Five live parrots hidden in a shoebox were intercepted on March 30 at the Paso Del Norte international crossing.

Customs and Border Protection officers say the seizure was made from a vehicle entering from Mexico. Officers say two passengers declared several medications. After further inspection, the birds were found in a closed shoebox in the rear seat. The parrots were referred to the USDA veterinary services for processing.

“CBP officers working at locations across the southwest border do encounter smuggled birds, reptiles, and other wildlife while they are performing their primary homeland security mission,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operation Hector Mancha. “Unfortunately, there is a market for these animals, but rest assured that the attention to detail exhibited by members of the CBP team will routinely identify these smugglers.”

CBP officers say on March 8, they encountered a man who tried to smuggle two live parrots hidden in a shoebox at the Columbus port of entry in southern New Mexico.