Miami Passenger Charged After 10 Birds Found in Underwear

Alberto Hernandez Castillo is facing a federal charge of smuggling goods into the United States after customs officers at Miami International Airport allegedly found 10 live birds concealed in his underwear following a flight from Havana, according to a federal criminal complaint. He has not been convicted, and the allegations have not been adjudicated in the reporting provided. The complaint says officers selected Hernandez Castillo for a secondary inspection after his arrival on October 4. He listed a carry-on bag and a fanny pack and answered no when asked on a customs declaration whether he was bringing animals or wildlife into the country, according to the filing. Officers searched his belongings without finding contraband, then noticed a bulge around his waist and pelvis during questioning. A pat-down allegedly uncovered six clear plastic tubes wrapped in tape and hidden in black pockets sewn into his underwear. The complaint says the tubes contained 10 birds: eight yellow-faced grassquits and two blue grosbeaks. Investigators reported finding no record that he had submitted the documentation required to import wildlife.