Border Agents Find 69 Live Animals in Hidden Car Compartment, Arresting Tijuana Woman
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 19
Border Agents Find 69 Live Animals in Hidden Car Compartment, Arresting Tijuana Woman
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 19
Summary
U.S. prosecutors said Georgina Bribiesca Chavez, 66, was arrested Aug. 10 at San Ysidro after officers later found 69 live animals hidden behind her Volkswagen’s rear seat in taped-shut pillowcases.
An outstanding warrant from a wildlife-trafficking probe triggered her arrest after she allegedly told a CBP officer she had nothing to declare; the concealed compartment was uncovered during a vehicle inspection the next morning.
San Diego Zoo staff recovered 60 abronia lizards, four venomous pit vipers, three caimans, a baby crocodile and an indigo snake. The caimans died after the animals were left in the car for nearly 24 hours.
Chavez pleaded not guilty to a federal wildlife-trafficking charge and was held without bond. Prosecutors say she and alleged partner Salvador Pelayo made tens of thousands of dollars selling exotic animals since 2023.
The case stems from an 18-month undercover U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigation; both defendants face Lacey Act charges carrying up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.