Another Exotic Bird Smuggler Busted At San Diego Border: Officials

SAN DIEGO, CA — A man was facing federal charges after trying to smuggle seven exotic birds across the U.S.-Mexico border, authorities said Tuesday.

Juandaniel Medina, 24, a resident of the Tulare County city of Lindsay, purchased the parrots for $700 and attempted to bring them into the country to breed and resell them, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The birds were found in a cardboard box on the passenger floorboard of his car at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

The parrots, six of which were identified as red-lored amazon parrots, were transferred to a quarantine facility managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

This is the third person who has tried to smuggle exotic birds through San Diego border crossings in the past several weeks.

In May, a San Diego man tried to cross the border through the San Ysidro Port of Entry with 17 exotic birds in his car, which were found in four bags underneath one of his vehicle's seats, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Two of the birds died.

In April, a Mexican citizen tried to cross the border through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry with 12 parakeets 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 died, a third suffered a possible broken neck, and others appeared in poor health.

All three men were facing charges of importation contrary to law.

"The illicit parrot trade reflects a broader crisis in wildlife protection — where profit outweighs preservation," U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said in a statement. "Bird smuggling is not a victimless crime. These animals suffer, and the consequences to public health and the environment can be catastrophic."

Also see:

• San Diego Man Charged With Smuggling 17 Birds Across Border
• 12 Parakeets Hidden, Tied Up In Smuggling Attempt At U.S.-Mexico Border