A man has been arrested after allegedly sneaking 10 exotic birds through a Florida airport in his pants, according to federal authorities.
Alberto Hernandez Castillo, a Cuban native and permanent legal U.S. resident, was going through Miami International Airport on Sunday when authorities flagged him for a secondary inspection, according to a Homeland Security Investigations complaint obtained by several local news outlets.
Hernandez Castillo, who traveled to Miami from Havana, allegedly indicated on a signed Customs Entry Declaration that he did not bring any animals or wildlife — but an unexplained bulge near his waist gave him away, according to the complaint.
During a pat-down, authorities allegedly found six plastic tubes sewn into his underwear that contained eight yellow-faced grassquits and two blue grosbeaks.
The two species are typically sold in the illegal pet trade, according to reports. All 10 birds were found alive.
Yellow-faced grassquits are grayish-green birds found from southeastern Mexico to northern South America. The birds can also be found throughout the Greater Antilles, of which Cuba is part.
Blue grosbeaks, which can often be seen singing while perched atop trees and power lines, can also be found in Mexico, Central America, and the Greater Antilles, as well as most of the U.S.
After Hernandez Castillo was busted, he allegedly told authorities the birds were for his “personal use,” according to the complaint.
Authorities reportedly determined he did not have the proper documentation or required clearance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for importing the birds, and he was taken into custody.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service told The Independent its Office of Law Enforcement was investigating the incident, adding, “Per our policy we do not comment on open investigations”.
Hernandez Castillo was later released on a $25,000 personal surety bond, according to records reviewed by People. He is set to be arraigned on October 26.
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