RUFFLED FEATHERS

Smuggling Suspect Found With Six Parrots Stuffed Inside Boots

Officers say the man tried to sneak in six additional birds in his car.

A man was apprehended by officials as allegedly tried to smuggle a dozen parrots into California, six of which he tried to hide in his boots. U.S Customs and Border Patrol agents said the outlandish encounter happened on the morning of April 30 at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in California. After authorities pulled over the man’s SUV for a routine inspection, authorities said they noticed what they described as “unusual clothing bulges” around the suspect’s ankles. While patting down the driver, officers then found six live parrots stuffed into the suspects boots. A further six parrots were later found near the driver’s seat, two of which were dead. U.S Customs and Border Patrol agents said a similar parrot smuggling attempt occurred on May 4 at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. In that incident, a driver was found allegedly trying to smuggle two cages—one containing 16 parakeets, and another three chickens—in his SUV under a blanket.