U.S. Border Agents Uncover Endangered Reptiles in Smuggling Case

U.S. border agents discovered endangered reptiles concealed in a woman’s car after she was stopped at the U.S.-Mexico border due to an outstanding arrest warrant. The incident led to the arrest of 66-year-old Georgina Bribiesca Chavez from Tijuana, Mexico, on wildlife trafficking charges.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, Chavez was allegedly part of a reptile smuggling scheme with Salvador Pelayo, a suspected accomplice arrested in July. Chavez’s arrest occurred when she attempted to cross the border from the U.S. into Mexico on August 10, following the revelation of her outstanding warrant.

Customs and Border Protection officers detained Chavez and impounded her car. Their subsequent search unveiled a hidden compartment with pillowcases, some of which moved suspiciously. Consequently, the pillowcases were transferred to the San Diego Zoo for examination.

Upon inspection, zoo staff discovered 60 abronia lizards, four venomous yellow-blotched palm pit vipers, three caimans, one baby crocodile, and one indigo snake inside the pillowcases. Several species were identified as endangered or threatened and are protected by international accords. Tragically, the three caimans perished before receiving care.

The U.S. Attorney’s office emphasized Chavez’s neglect in not informing officers about the live animals, resulting in their abandonment for nearly 24 hours in the August heat. Despite the dire conditions, other reptiles are reported stable and now reside under the San Diego Zoo’s care.

U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon remarked, “These animals were not cargo — they were living creatures subjected to dangerous conditions for profit.”

In her initial court appearance on the trafficking charges, Chavez pleaded not guilty. Similarly, Pelayo, aged 28, has entered a not guilty plea.

Documentation indicates that since 2023, Chavez and Pelayo engaged in smuggling exotic reptiles into the U.S. with the intent to sell. Their dealings attracted the attention of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which initiated an undercover investigation. This inquiry revealed multiple clandestine sales of protected turtles, with transactions occurring at shipping centers around San Diego.

Authorities allege that Chavez and Pelayo profited tens of thousands of dollars from these illegal wildlife sales.