Yet Another Passenger is Caught Smuggling Live Birds Into Miami Airport, This Time in Hair Rollers
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found 11 live birds hidden inside hair rollers under a passenger’s clothes at Miami International Airport. It was the second time in three days that someone arriving from Cuba was caught with birds concealed under their clothing.
Roberto Perez Quincosa arrived in Miami on October 6 aboard an Eastern Air Express flight from Havana. According to a federal complaint, he told customs officers he had nothing to declare.
Officers searched his luggage and didn’t find anything unusual. A pat-down revealed a belt-like garment holding 11 tubes, which had holes along the sides and netting covering the ends.
The tubes were bundled together with black electrical tape and contained five Cuban bullfinches and six Cuban melodious finches. Perez Quincosa told investigators he planned to breed the birds and sell them in the United States for $100 to $120 each.
Another Passenger Had 10 Birds Sewn Into His Underwear
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On October 4, Alberto Hernandez Castillo arrived in Miami on a flight from Havana. The 40-year-old told customs officers he’d been visiting family in Cuba and checked “no” when asked if he was bringing animals or wildlife into the country.
He had a carry-on bag and a fanny pack, but officers didn’t find anything in either one. They did notice a bulge around his waist and took him to a secure area for a pat-down. That’s when they found six plastic tubes tucked into pockets sewn into his underwear. Inside were eight yellow-faced grassquits and two blue grosbeaks.
Hernandez Castillo told officers the birds were for his personal use. He was charged with smuggling goods into the United States and later released on a $25,000 personal surety bond.
Perez Quincosa was also arrested on a federal smuggling charge following his October 6 arrival.
Miami Airport Has a Facility for Imported Birds
Miami International Airport actually has a USDA animal import center that handles pet birds and commercial shipments. The agency’s import rules include birds brought into the country for breeding or resale.
There’s also a rule covering people who want to bring several pet birds into the United States. USDA considers shipments of six or more pet birds commercial imports, even when they aren’t intended for sale.
Commercial bird shipments require an import permit, a veterinary health certificate and an inspection when they arrive. Importers must arrange that inspection at least 72 hours in advance. The birds also generally have to spend at least 30 days in quarantine. During that time, USDA tests them for certain communicable diseases before they can be released.
