Man Charged with Smuggling Live Birds in Underwear at Miami Airport

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Miami International Airport discovered 10 live birds hidden in a traveler's underwear following a flight from Havana, Cuba. The passenger, identified as Alberto Hernandez Castillo, a Cuban native and legal permanent resident of the United States, arrived on Oct. 4.

During a secondary inspection, CBP officers noticed an 'unexplained bulge' around Castillo's waist and pelvic area. Despite signing a customs declaration stating he was not bringing any animals or wildlife into the country, a pat-down search revealed six clear cylindrical containers wrapped in tape and concealed within black pockets sewn into his underwear.

Upon removal, the containers held 10 live birds, preliminarily identified as eight yellow-faced grassquits and two blue grosbeaks. Castillo allegedly told authorities the birds were for his 'personal use' before invoking his right to remain silent.

Investigators found no record of Castillo filing the required documentation for importing wildlife into the U.S. He has been charged with smuggling goods into the United States. Court documents recommend a $25,000 personal surety bond for Castillo.

Castillo is due back in court on Oct. 26. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida was contacted for further details.