12 Parakeets Hidden, Tied Up In Smuggling Attempt At U.S.-Mexico Border

SAN DIEGO, CA — A man was arrested on suspicion of smuggling a dozen orange-fronted parakeets into the United States from Mexico, authorities said.

The protected birds were found stuffed inside his boots and inside the seat of his car, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. At least two of the birds have died, a third suffered a possible broken neck, and others appeared in poor health.

"Smuggling at the border takes many forms, but the tragic impact on animals forced into such perilous conditions is deeply troubling," U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said in a statement. "We are committed to holding accountable those who endanger wildlife and public health through these reckless and inhumane smuggling practices."

Prosecutors said Mexican citizen Naim Lajud Libien, 54, was sent to secondary inspection at 3:10 p.m. Tuesday as he tried to cross the border at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

A Border Patrol officer saw bulges around Libien's ankles and found three birds wrapped in panty hose within each of his boots. The birds were tied at their feet, which may have caused injuries to some of the parakeets, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Lajud Libien was taken into custody. On Wednesday, officers heard birds "crying" from his impounded vehicle, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. They found six more parakeets, also wrapped in panty hose and tied, inside a seat cushion.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said the protected birds, which are native to Western Mexico and Costa Rica, should have been quarantined before entering the country.

Libien faces charges of importation contrary to law. The maximum penalty is 20 years in custody and a $250,000 fine, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.