San Ysidro Man Charged for Smuggling Protected Toucans

News Summary

Carlos Abundez, a resident of San Ysidro, faces federal charges for attempting to smuggle 14 live Keel-billed toucans across the U.S.-Mexico border. Detected during inspections at Otay Mesa Port of Entry, the birds were found sedated and concealed in his vehicle. With some showing injuries, they are currently in stable condition after being treated. This incident highlights a troubling trend of wildlife trafficking in San Diego, prompting concerns over the welfare of smuggled animals and the need for stricter enforcement of laws protecting endangered species.

San Diego – Carlos Abundez, a 35-year-old resident of San Ysidro, has been charged by federal prosecutors for attempting to illegally smuggle 14 live Keel-billed toucans across the U.S.-Mexico border. The incident was uncovered at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry when a canine unit from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detected the presence of the birds hidden within Abundez’s Volkswagen Passat.

During inspections, officers discovered one bird wrapped in cloth and duct-taped to the underside of the car’s dashboard. Further investigation revealed a total of 14 sedated juvenile toucans concealed inside a side panel of the vehicle. These toucans are classified as a protected species and can fetch prices up to $5,000 each on the black market.

Sadly, some of the birds showed signs of injury, including broken tails and a broken leg. They were initially provided care by veterinary services at the southern border before being transferred to a Department of Agriculture Animal Import Center for quarantine. Currently, the toucans are reported to be in stable condition.

Abundez made his initial court appearance in federal court in San Diego on Wednesday. He faces serious charges, including smuggling merchandise and importation contrary to law, which could result in up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 if convicted.

This case is not an isolated incident. It marks the fourth event in recent months involving individuals attempting to smuggle protected exotic birds through border crossings in San Diego. In April, another individual tried to conceal a dozen parakeets, which were discovered stuffed inside his boots and car seats, with some birds succumbing to injuries due to the harsh conditions. Similarly, in May, a local man was apprehended with 17 exotic birds in his car, leading to the death of two birds. Furthermore, last month, a man from Tulare County faced charges for attempting to smuggle seven parrots, which were found crammed in a cardboard box in his vehicle.

The increase in wildlife trafficking incidents in the region has prompted concerns from officials. The U.S. Attorney for San Diego, Adam Gordon, has condemned this trend as a serious issue, highlighting its cruelty as well as potential threats to public health and the agricultural sector. The smuggling of protected species poses significant risks not only to the animals involved but also to the ecosystems they represent.

The plight of the smuggled toucans exemplifies the ongoing challenges associated with wildlife trafficking and the urgent need for stricter enforcement of laws protecting endangered and threatened species. Authorities are working diligently to prevent such activities from occurring in the future, while also ensuring the welfare of animals rescued from illegal conditions.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

San Diego Man Charged in Exotic Bird Smuggling Case
San Diego Celebrates Community and Culture with May Events

Additional Resources

• Times of San Diego
• Wikipedia: Wildlife Smuggling
• CBS 8
• Google Search: Toucan Smuggling
• NBC San Diego
• Google Scholar: Wildlife Trafficking
• Fox 5 San Diego
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildlife Trafficking