Cancun, Q.R. — National Guard arrested a Spanish man inside Cancun International over the weekend for transporting live birds. Customs found the birds stuffed inside a suitcase during a luggage inspection.
More than 160 birds were found being transported without ventilation or the minimum space necessary for their survival. As a result, 16 died from suffocation or crushing, while the rest showed signs of severe stress.
Inspectors from the Federal Attorney’s Office for Environmental Protection (Profepa) were notified of the finding. A total of 168 birds were located inside a single suitcase headed for Germany.
In their report, Profepa (Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al Ambiente) inspectors said they identified nine different species among the seized birds. They included 73 specimens of brown-throated, thick-billed and wheatear, as well as 95 specimens of the blue butterfly, a species listed under “Special Protection” according to the Mexican Official Standard NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010.
Following the confiscation, the surviving birds received immediate veterinary care. They were later transferred to a Wildlife Management Facility in Cancun where they will remain under observation.
The Spanish man detained has not been identified, however, authorities say he is facing charges for violations of the General Wildlife Law and the General Law on Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection.
