San Diego Man Charged in Exotic Bird Smuggling Case

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A vibrant collection of exotic birds in their natural habitat, highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation.

News Summary

Ricardo Alonzo, a 26-year-old from San Diego, faces federal charges for attempting to smuggle 17 exotic birds from Mexico. The birds, which included two species of Amazon parrots and Burrowing parakeets, were discovered during a vehicle inspection at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Alonzo’s declaration of only having chickens raises questions about his knowledge of the illegal importation. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about wildlife trafficking and associated public health risks.

San Diego Man Ricardo Alonzo Faces Federal Charges for Smuggling 17 Exotic Birds from Mexico

A San Diego man, Ricardo Alonzo, was charged with multiple federal offenses after allegedly attempting to smuggle 17 exotic birds into the United States from Mexico. The incident took place on May 4 at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, a key crossing point between the two countries.

Alonzo, 26, was identified as the driver and registered owner of the vehicle used in the smuggling attempt. During a standard search of his vehicle, officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection uncovered four bags that held:

10 Burrowing Parakeets
5 Yellow-Crowned Amazon Parrots
2 Red-Lored Amazon Parrots

Tragically, the two Red-Lored Amazon Parrot chicks found in Alonzo’s possession did not survive the ordeal. The surviving birds were subsequently taken to a quarantine facility managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for further care and observation.

During the customs inspection, Alonzo reportedly declared he had only two chickens to declare, failing to mention the exotic birds found in his vehicle. According to the criminal complaint, he did not possess the required documentation for the legal importation of the birds. The sounds made by the birds during the secondary inspection suggested that Alonzo was likely aware of their presence in his vehicle.

This smuggling case is not an isolated incident; it marks the second recent case of bird smuggling that federal prosecutors have reported involving a San Diego port of entry. A previous incident involved a Mexican citizen who attempted to cross the border with 12 parakeets concealed in his boots and within the seat of his vehicle. In that case, at least two birds succumbed to injuries, and others were found in critical condition.

Alonzo currently faces charges of importation contrary to law, which carries severe penalties of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The gravity of the situation is highlighted by U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, who emphasized that the trafficking of exotic birds poses risks to both animal welfare and public health. The smuggled species included protected Amazon parrots, native to regions in Mexico and South America, as well as Burrowing Parakeets, found typically in Chile and Argentina.

Authorities have also raised alarms about the significant dangers of introducing diseases, such as Avian influenza, into the U.S. through illegal smuggling activities. These health risks underscore the importance of regulatory measures in protecting both the environment and public safety.

The investigation into Alonzo’s smuggling attempt reflects broader efforts by federal authorities to combat wildlife trafficking and protect vulnerable species at risk from illegal trade practices.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in the fight against wildlife crime and the imperative need for responsible fostering and care of exotic species.