Two arrested for attempting to smuggle spider monkey into U.S.

MISSION, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two people were arrested on Sunday for allegedly attempting to smuggle an endangered species into the United States.

A criminal complaint shows Angel Arturo-Hernandez and Ashlie Yaleczi Alejandro allegedly attempted to cross the Anzalduas Port of Entry with a spider monkey hidden in their vehicle.

According to the complaint, agents found the monkey concealed in a zippered bag.

Agents also discovered neither Arturo nor Hernandez carried a legal permit to import the spider monkeys.

The couple confessed to plans of delivering the spider monkey to an unidentified person and location in the U.S.

This is an ongoing investigation.