Moving pillowcase leads to discovery of reptiles in car seized at border
Summary
U.S. border agents found endangered reptiles hidden in a car at the Mexico border after noticing a moving pillowcase. Georgina Bribiesca Chavez was arrested on wildlife trafficking charges for allegedly smuggling exotic reptiles with a partner who was also charged.Key Facts
- Chavez was stopped at the U.S.-Mexico border for an outstanding arrest warrant and then taken into custody.
- Border agents found a hidden compartment in her car with pillowcases tied and taped shut.
- One pillowcase moved, leading agents to call the San Diego Zoo to check the animals inside.
- Inside were 60 abronia lizards, 4 venomous palm pit vipers, 3 caimans, a baby crocodile, and an indigo snake.
- Several of the reptiles are endangered or protected by international laws.
- Three caimans died before getting care; the rest were kept stable at the zoo.
- Chavez and her alleged partner, Salvador Pelayo, began smuggling reptiles in 2023 to sell them for profit.
- Both Chavez and Pelayo have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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