A Mexican citizen has been arrested for attempting to smuggle two live howler monkeys in his vehicle while crossing over into the United States.
The incident occurred on Monday when the 29-year-old male Mexican citizen was attempting entry into the United States in his 2015 Chevrolet pickup when U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers along with agricultural specialists at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge in Texas managed to intercept two live howler monkeys in the suspect’s vehicle, according to a statement released by CBP on Wednesday.
“Our frontline CBP officers’ diligence in the performance of their duties led them to the discovery of two live howler monkeys transported in a vehicle,” said Acting Port Director Michael B. Reyes, Brownsville Port of Entry. “CBP remains committed to preventing the exploitation of protected animals and the spread of animal diseases.”
Authorities did not disclose what led them to suspect the smuggling attempt of the howler monkeys but did say that CBP officers referred the vehicle for a secondary inspection. It was during that secondary inspection that CBP officers and agriculture specialists discovered two live howler monkeys inside the vehicle.
Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation and arrested the driver, according to CBP. The suspect’s vehicle was subsequently seized and the monkeys were turned over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service where it was decided they will be housed at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas, for the time being.
“CBP would like to remind the public of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) regulations that prohibit live birds, fresh eggs, and raw poultry from Mexico,” CBP said in their statement regarding the incident.
Mexico is affected with virulent Newcastle disease and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, according to USDA APHIS. Both of these diseases affect poultry, are “serious diseases of concern and are highly contagious”
“In addition, howler monkeys are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, their importation is regulated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” CBP continued. “Ultimately monkeys are prohibited from importation as pets.”
Said CBP: “On the border at land, air, and sea-based ports of entry, including Laredo, CBP officers and agriculture specialists continue to fulfill CBP’s agriculture mission by excluding harmful pests and diseases from becoming established in the United States.”
A man was recently arrested for attempting to smuggle two howler monkeys across the Texas border into the United States. The incident occurred at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge, where customs officials discovered the monkeys hidden in the man’s vehicle.
Howler monkeys are a protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits their trade and transportation without proper permits. The man, whose identity has not been released, now faces charges of smuggling endangered species and could potentially face hefty fines and jail time.
This incident sheds light on the illegal wildlife trade that continues to be a major issue around the world. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth billions of dollars annually and is one of the biggest threats to endangered species.
Howler monkeys are native to Central and South America and are known for their loud vocalizations that can be heard up to three miles away. They play a crucial role in their ecosystems as seed dispersers and help maintain the balance of their habitats.
The arrest of the man attempting to smuggle these monkeys serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting endangered species and cracking down on illegal wildlife trafficking. It also highlights the need for increased awareness and enforcement of laws that protect these vulnerable animals.
Customs officials are urging the public to report any suspicious activity related to wildlife trafficking and to be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding the trade of endangered species. By working together, we can help protect these animals and ensure their survival for future generations.
