Federal officers find parrots hidden in bag at port of entry

HIDALGO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and agriculture specialists seized 20 undeclared parrots on Monday at the Hidalgo International Bridge.

CBP officers discovered the birds hidden in a bag inside a vehicle during a secondary inspection.

Homeland Security Investigations, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, began a criminal investigation and arrested the driver, a 22-year-old woman.

“Our frontline CBP officers and agriculture specialists continue to maintain resolute vigilance amid heavy holiday weekend traffic, and that mission dedication led to the interception of 20 parrots,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo Port of Entry. “CBP remains committed to preventing the exploitation of protected animals and the spread of animal diseases.”

Texas Game Wardens transported the parrots to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville.