A 22-year-old Cuban citizen was arrested Thursday at Miami International Airport (MIA) after being found attempting to smuggle 40 live birds concealed inside his body. The unusual discovery, made during a routine security check, has once again raised concerns about the illegal trafficking of exotic species, a crime that threatens public health, biodiversity, and border security.
The news was made public through a publication in X by Diane J. Sabatino, who is part of the team of the Field Operations Office of the United States Customs and Border Protection Office (CBP).
“It failed miserably! This type of smuggling strains border security, endangers public health, and spreads diseases that threaten both animals and humans,” his post reads.
The operation and the health risk
Diane J. Sabatino, assistant director of the Office of Field Operations for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), confirmed that the birds were found in small cloth bags tied to the detainee's torso and legs.
This method, used by smuggling networks to circumvent controls, subjects animals to extreme conditions, without ventilation or access to water or food, resulting in high mortality rates.
Authorities warn that these practices can introduce zoonotic diseases—such as avian influenza and psittacosis—that pose a threat to both human health and the poultry industry. Even a single infected bird could trigger outbreaks with serious economic and health consequences.
A repeating pattern
Although this case has caused a stir due to the amount and manner of concealment, it is not an isolated incident.
- In May 2025, officials from the General Customs Office of the Republic managed to prevent a bird and several eggs from being smuggled out of the country. The discovery took place at Havana's José Martí International Airport, where the shipment was hidden inside a suitcase bound for the United States.
- In 2021, the Spanish Civil Guard seized 161 wild birds at Manises Airport in Valencia, which were being transported by a traveler from Havana.
- In April 2019, in Havana, customs authorities discovered another case of "natural smuggling" when they seized a suitcase containing 277 live birds intended to be illegally smuggled out of the country.
Similar seizures have also been reported in Florida. In 2023, CBP agents at Tampa Airport found 29 exotic birds hidden in cardboard tubes inside the luggage of a passenger arriving from South America.
Legal framework and sanctions
Cuba is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which requires it to control and regulate the transfer of protected species. The Cuban Penal Code and U.S. law provide for prison sentences, heavy fines, and commercial bans for those involved in these activities.
In the U.S., the Lacey Act and the Wild Bird Conservation Act are the main laws that prosecute these types of crimes, even allowing for the seizure of property and means of transportation used for smuggling.
Ecological and social impact
Bird smuggling not only threatens endangered species but also disrupts ecosystems when these animals, whether released or escaped, become invasive species. In Florida, the problem is evident: illegally trafficked parrots, parakeets, and cockatiels have established themselves in urban areas, displacing native species.
Furthermore, this underground market is often linked to criminal networks that include poachers, middlemen, and international buyers willing to pay high sums for rare specimens, fueling an illegal circuit that operates on a global scale.
A call to report
U.S. authorities reiterated that any attempt to bring in wildlife without authorization is a federal crime and encouraged travelers to report suspicious behavior. "Protecting our borders is not just a matter of security, but also of health and conservation," Sabatino emphasized.
The young Cuban remains in federal custody and could face several years in prison if convicted. Meanwhile, the seized birds have been quarantined and will be evaluated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
