Federal authorities say 69 live exotic animals are found hidden in a car after an arrest at the U.S.-Mexico border. According to reports, the animals were discovered in a Volkswagen in a concealed compartment, where they were reportedly stuffed in pillowcases.
The cases involve Georgina Bribiesca Chavez and Salvador Pelayo, who federal authorities allege have smuggled exotic animals across the U.S.-Mexico border since 2023. One account says prosecutors allege the pair made tens of thousands of dollars from the sales.
Another detail reported is how the discovery occurs: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seizes the vehicle during the arrest, but officers do not find the animals immediately. The animals are reportedly located after further inspection the next morning when the compartment is examined. The outlets focus on the animal seizure and the alleged smuggling scheme, with differences mainly in describing the timing and circumstances of how the animals are discovered.
