Wildlife Trafficking Case Unfolds at U.S.-Mexico Border
A woman from Tijuana was apprehended after attempts to smuggle 69 live animals into the United States. This incident occurred the day after her arrest at the U.S.-Mexico border, where Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers found these creatures, including venomous snakes and a baby alligator, concealed within tightly taped pillowcases in a hidden compartment of her Volkswagen.
According to federal officials, 66-year-old Georgina Bribiesca Chavez was taken into custody on August 10 while trying to cross at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Initially, she allegedly claimed to have nothing to declare; however, a routine check revealed an outstanding warrant linked to a wildlife trafficking case.
After CBP seized her vehicle, the startling discovery was made the following morning. It turned out there was a factory-designed hidden compartment behind the back seat, which held pillowcases that were tied and taped shut.
Upon inspection, one of the pillowcases was actually moving. Staff at the San Diego Zoo later found 60 Abronia lizards, four yellow-spotted palm vipers, three caimans, a baby alligator, and an indigo snake inside. Unfortunately, authorities reported that all three caimans perished after being left in the car for nearly 24 hours in the oppressive August heat, while the remaining animals were in stable condition and were still at the zoo as of the previous week.
Chavez has pleaded not guilty to federal charges related to wildlife trafficking and is currently being held without bail. Her alleged accomplice, 28-year-old Salvador Pelayo from Chula Vista, was arrested in July and also asserts his innocence.
This duo’s arrests followed an intense 18-month undercover investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Prosecutors allege Chavez and Pelayo have been involved in wildlife trafficking since 2023, raking in significant profits from selling exotic animals.
In one instance noted by prosecutors, Chavez reportedly sold four Mexican box turtles for $2,600 shortly after smuggling them across the border. Sadly, these turtles later died after being taken to Auckland Zoo, with investigators stating they had arrived in poor health and were suffering from respiratory ailments.
In a separate incident, Pelayo is accused of illegally transporting turtles from Mexico and using a fake name while dealing with an undercover officer in New York.
The investigation remains active, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, continuing to look into the matter.
Chavez and Pelayo face serious charges under the Lacey Act, which protects wildlife and carries severe penalties, including up to five years in prison and hefty fines.
