CBP: Woman arrested for smuggling live monkeys at Brownsville port of entry

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Six live monkeys were smuggled and hidden inside a purse at the Veterans International Bridge, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced.

A 26-year old woman, who is a U.S. citizen, attempted to enter into the United States when CBP officers referred the 2021 Toyota sedan for a secondary inspection.

At the secondary inspection, CBP officers and agriculture specialists discovered the six live monkeys within a backpack and a purse in the vehicle.

Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation, seized the vehicle and arrested the driver.

“Our frontline officers continue to exercise vigilance and for the second time this month intercepted a significant amount of live monkeys hidden within a passenger vehicle,” Michael B. Reyes, Acting Port Director for the Brownsville Port of Entry said.

ValleyCentral previously reported on two monkey smuggling cases in February and March.

All six monkeys were turned over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and will be housed at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville.

“CBP remains committed to preventing the exploitation of protected animals and thereby impeding the spread of animal diseases,” Reyes said.