Toucans Trafficked: Man Hid Birds in Dashboard

SAN DIEGO, CA – Carlos Abundez, 35, of San Ysidro, California, is facing federal charges after authorities discovered a horrific scene inside his Volkswagen Passat: 14 live Keel-billed toucans crammed into the dashboard. The birds, bound and sedated, were discovered at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, a stark illustration of the escalating illegal wildlife trade through Southern California.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents initially flagged Abundez’s vehicle after a canine unit registered a change in behavior during a routine screening. A closer inspection revealed a cloth-wrapped object taped to the underside of the dashboard. It wasn’t until the object *moved* that the CBP officer realized they weren’t dealing with contraband, but living creatures. Prying open the dashboard panel revealed a hidden compartment packed with the juvenile birds.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agents identified the birds as Keel-billed toucans (Ramphastos sulfuratus), a species listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This designation acknowledges the species’ threatened status and regulates its international trade. Several of the birds suffered injuries during transport, including broken tails and a broken leg. They were initially treated by Veterinary Services at the southern border and have since been transferred to a Department of Agriculture Animal Import Center for quarantine, where they are currently reported to be stable.

The discovery comes on the heels of recent prosecutions of three other individuals caught smuggling Amazon parrots and parakeets through the same ports of entry. This isn’t just about animal cruelty; it’s a serious public health risk. “Smuggling endangered birds by sedating them, binding their beaks, and hiding them in car compartments is not just cruel—it’s criminal,” stated U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “This disturbing trend of trafficking exotic wildlife through Southern California ports poses a serious threat to public health and agriculture.”

The concern isn’t merely about the illegal trade itself, but the potential for introducing devastating diseases. Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a constant threat, and smuggled birds bypass mandatory quarantine procedures designed to prevent its spread. The virus can decimate bird populations – including U.S. poultry farms – and even jump to humans, causing flu-like symptoms, respiratory illness, and even death. The lack of proper screening creates a perfect storm for potential outbreaks.

Abundez is charged with Smuggling Merchandise – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 545 and Importation Contrary to Law – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 545. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Jimenez. Case Number: 25-mj-3726. As with all criminal proceedings, Abundez is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is leading the investigation.

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