A 35-year-old man was charged in federal court for attempting to smuggle 14 exotic toucans across the U.S.-Mexico border, found hidden in his car’s dashboard. The arrest occurred after Customs and Border Protection identified the vehicle for screening. An officer discovered one bird wrapped in cloth, leading to the discovery of 13 more. These juvenile Keel-billed toucans are protected and valued on the black market. They were taken to veterinary services due to injuries, indicating the inhumane nature of the smuggling process.
The 14 birds were immediately taken to veterinary services at the southern border. Some of the toucans were diagnosed with broken tails, and at least one had a broken leg.
The exotic species can be sold for upwards of $5,000 per bird on the black market. Officials said the birds are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
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