San Diego, CA – A 35-year-old man was indicted on federal smuggling charges after attempting to cross into the United States from Mexico with sedated, endangered parakeets hidden in his underwear, officials reported.
Jesse Agus Martinez, a US citizen residing in Tijuana, was stopped at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry on October 23 when a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer noticed a suspicious bulge in his groin area. According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, Martinez had a prior record indicating a pattern of smuggling birds into the country.
Unusual Discovery During Inspection
Martinez reportedly insisted the bulge was his “pirrin” — a Spanish term for penis — while officers conducted a secondary inspection. However, further examination revealed two brown sacks containing orange-fronted parakeets tucked inside his underwear.
The birds were heavily sedated but alive, authorities said. Upon arrival, US Fish and Wildlife Service agents and inspectors confirmed the birds were protected juvenile orange-fronted parakeets, a species native to Western Mexico and Costa Rica and listed as endangered since 2005.
Care and Quarantine Measures
Veterinary Services at the southern border immediately provided care to the drowsy birds. They were later transferred to a Department of Agriculture Animal Import Center to undergo quarantine. Officials emphasized that if the birds had entered the US without proper screening, they could have posed a risk of spreading dangerous diseases, including avian influenza, a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Following the seizure, Martinez was indicted by a federal grand jury on Friday and charged with Importation Contrary to Law. If convicted, he could face a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to court records.
Conservation and Law Enforcement Implications
Authorities highlighted the seriousness of smuggling endangered wildlife. The successful interception demonstrates CBP’s vigilance at border crossings and underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable species. The parakeets are reported to be in stable condition, thanks to the swift intervention of federal agencies.
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