Two arrested in alleged longtime exotic reptile smuggling operation
Prosecutors say the pair made tens of thousands of dollars while moving protected reptiles across the border, with 60 lizards and other animals seized.
- On Tuesday, federal authorities charged Georgina Bribiesca Chavez and Salvador Pelayo with cross-border wildlife trafficking. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested Chavez last week at the San Ysidro Port of Entry after discovering nearly 70 reptiles hidden in her vehicle.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigators began an 18-month probe into the alleged trafficking ring in 2023. Agents conducted multiple undercover purchases of protected Mexican box turtles to dismantle the operation run by the pair.
- Officers discovered a hidden compartment containing 60 abronia lizards, four venomous palm pit vipers, three caimans, one baby crocodile, and an indigo snake inside the vehicle. Three caimans died after sitting in the car for nearly 24 hours, while the rest received San Diego Zoo care.
- Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to Lacey Act charges, facing a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Magistrate Judge Jill L. Burkhardt ordered Chavez held without bond in San Diego federal court.
- Chavez's preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 27, while Pelayo is set to appear before District Judge Cathy A. Bencivengo on October 2. These dates mark the next phase in the federal prosecution.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Two arrested in years-long scheme to smuggle protected reptiles across U.S.-Mexico border
SAN DIEGO — A Tijuana woman made her initial appearance in federal court Tuesday after border authorities discovered dozens of protected reptiles—including venomous vipers and baby crocodilians—secreted in a hidden compartment of her car and left to swelter in the…
Venomous vipers, crocodile, other reptiles found hidden in car at San Diego border
Georgina Bribiesca Chavez appeared in federal court Tuesday following her arrest at the San Ysidro Port of Entry for her alleged involvement in a multi-year exotic wildlife trafficking scheme.
The arrest at a key crossing between the two countries revealed an 18-month investigation into clandestine trade in exotic fauna and specimens under protection
New York Post
Fox News69 live animals found stuffed in pillowcases in hidden car compartment after border arrest: Feds
Georgina Bribiesca Chavez, 66, was arrested at the border after feds found 69 live animals, including vipers and caimans, hidden in her car.
California Border Bust Bags 69 Rare Reptiles Stuffed In Pillowcases - Tampa Free Press
Federal authorities have charged two people in an alleged cross-border wildlife trafficking scheme that moved protected reptiles between Mexico and the United States for years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday. Georgina Bribiesca Chavez, 66, of Tijuana, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill L. Burkhardt on Tuesday following her arrest at the San Ysidro Port […] California Border Bust Bags 69 Rare Reptiles Stuffed In Pillowcases
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
