# Wildlife smuggling at Miami International Airport

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wildlife-smuggling-at-miami-international-airport
> Updated: 2026-10-18T18:30:02.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2.

A Cuban national, Alberto Hernandez Castillo, was arrested at Miami International Airport for attempting to smuggle live birds into the United States from Havana. Customs and Border Protection officers identified an “unexplained bulge” in Castillo’s clothing, leading to the discovery of six cylindrical containers sewn into his underwear. 

The containers held ten live birds, identified as eight yellow-faced grassquits (also referred to as yellow-faced seedeaters) and two blue grosbeaks. Although Castillo claimed the animals were for “personal use,” he lacked the required legal documentation for importation. Castillo was charged with illegal importation and released on a $25,000 bond.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: Miami International Airport agents intercept smuggled live birds

Two men face smuggling charges after Miami International Airport customs agents discovered 21 live birds hidden under their clothing in separate incidents.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-international-airport-agents-intercept-smuggled-live-birds

### 2026-10-07: Miami International Airport traveler arrested for smuggling birds in underwear

A Cuban man faces federal smuggling charges after CBP officers at Miami International Airport found 10 live birds concealed in sewn pockets within his underwear.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/miami-airport-traveler-detained-for-smuggling-ten-live-birds

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Cite as: Wildlife smuggling at Miami International Airport. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wildlife-smuggling-at-miami-international-airport