Miami International Airport traveler arrested for smuggling birds in underwear

Alberto Hernandez Castillo, a Cuban national and legal permanent resident of the United States, has been charged with smuggling wildlife after arriving at Miami International Airport from Havana.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers flagged Castillo for secondary inspection after noticing an “unexplained bulge” around his waist and pelvic area. A subsequent pat-down revealed six clear cylindrical containers wrapped in tape and tucked into black pockets sewn into his underwear. The containers held 10 live birds, identified as eight yellow-faced grassquits and two blue grosbeaks.

Castillo had previously signed a customs declaration stating he was not bringing any animals or wildlife into the country. When questioned, he allegedly claimed the birds were for his “personal use,” though investigators found no documentation for the lawful importation of the wildlife. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also investigating the incident.