U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Miami International Airport recently discovered 11 live birds tucked inside hair rollers beneath a traveler’s clothing. Surprisingly, this marked the second time in just three days that authorities caught someone flying in from Cuba with concealed birds.
Roberto Perez Quincosa landed in Miami on October 6 via an Eastern Air Express flight from Havana. Federal complaint records show that he initially told customs officers he had nothing to declare.
While a search of his luggage turned up clean, a standard pat-down told a different story. Officers discovered a belt-like garment holding 11 mesh-covered tubes punctured with air holes.
Bound together with black electrical tape, the tubes held five Cuban bullfinches and six Cuban melodious finches. Perez Quincosa admitted to investigators that he intended to breed the birds and sell them stateside for $100 to $120 apiece.
Another Passenger Had 10 Birds Sewn Into His Underwear
Just days earlier on October 4, Alberto Hernandez Castillo arrived in Miami on another flight from Havana. The 40-year-old explained to customs officials that he had been visiting relatives in Cuba, and he marked “no” when asked about transporting animals or wildlife.
Officers inspected his carry-on and fanny pack without finding anything suspicious. However, an unusual bulge around his waist prompted them to escort him to a private area for a physical search. There, they uncovered six plastic tubes hidden inside pockets sewn directly into his underwear, containing eight yellow-faced grassquits and two blue grosbeaks.
Hernandez Castillo claimed the birds were strictly for personal use. Authorities formally charged him with smuggling goods into the United States before releasing him on a $25,000 personal surety bond.
Federal agents similarly arrested Perez Quincosa on a smuggling charge following his own arrival on October 6.
Miami Airport Has a Facility for Imported Birds
Interestingly enough, Miami International Airport houses an official USDA animal import center designed specifically for pet birds and commercial arrivals. Agency regulations strictly govern any birds entering the country for breeding or retail purposes.
The agency also enforces guidelines for travelers carrying multiple pet birds. Under USDA rules, bringing six or more pet birds automatically counts as a commercial shipment, regardless of whether you plan to sell them.
Legitimate commercial bird shipments demand an official import permit, an authenticated veterinary health certificate, and a scheduled arrival inspection. Importers must book this evaluation at least 72 hours ahead of time. From there, the birds typically undergo a mandatory 30-day quarantine, allowing the USDA to test for communicable diseases before clearing them for entry.
