A Keel-billed toucan and 21 parrots were seized at the Tecate Port of Entry.
According to U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers, Saturday morning at about 7:00 a.m. a woman in a car approached the primary inspection area when CBP officers found a box under a blanket with parrots inside. Further inspection led to the discovery of 21 parrots and one Keel-billed toucan concealed in boxes and cages. The driver was detained and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations and Fish and Wildlife Services for further investigation. The parrots and toucan will remain under quarantine by USDA Veterinary Services to ensure they are not affected by avian disease.