A girl recognized by federal prosecutors as a Tijuana resident was arrested on the US-Mexico border earlier than US Customs and Border Safety officers found 69 dwell animals — together with venomous vipers, caimans and a child crocodile — allegedly stuffed inside taped-shut pillowcases in a hidden compartment of her Volkswagen the next day, in accordance with the US Legal professional’s Workplace for the Southern District of California.
Georgina Bribiesca Chavez, 66, of Tijuana, was arrested Aug. 10 whereas trying to enter the US by means of the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the Justice Division mentioned.
Chavez allegedly informed a CBP officer she had nothing to declare, however a information test revealed an impressive warrant tied to a wildlife trafficking investigation.
CBP seized the Volkswagen, however officers didn’t uncover the animals till they inspected it the next morning.
Behind the rear seat, they discovered a hid manufacturing facility compartment containing pillowcases that had been knotted shut and sealed with tape.
One of many pillowcases was shifting.
The baggage have been taken to the San Diego Zoo, the place employees discovered 60 abronia lizards, 4 venomous yellow-blotched palm pit vipers, three caimans, a child crocodile and an indigo snake, in accordance with the DOJ.
Prosecutors mentioned Chavez by no means informed officers concerning the animals, leaving them contained in the car for practically 24 hours within the August warmth. All three caimans died.
The opposite animals have been secure and remained within the zoo’s care as of final week.
Chavez pleaded not responsible to a federal wildlife trafficking cost and was ordered held with out bond.
Her alleged trafficking accomplice, Salvador Pelayo, 28, of Chula Vista, was arrested in July and has additionally pleaded not responsible.
The arrests adopted an roughly 18-month undercover investigation by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, although prosecutors allege Chavez and Pelayo had trafficked wildlife collectively since 2023 and made tens of 1000’s of {dollars} promoting unique animals.
Throughout one alleged undercover transaction in March 2025, Chavez delivered 4 protected Mexican field turtles to an agent for $2,600 money shortly after crossing the US-Mexico border.
All 4 turtles later died after being transferred to the Oakland Zoo, prosecutors mentioned.
The turtles have been already ill after they have been acquired throughout the undercover operation and have been believed to have been wild-caught and affected by respiratory illness, in accordance with prosecutors.
Pelayo is individually accused of utilizing the alias “Jose Lopez” to ship 4 protected Mexican and Yucatan field turtles to an secret agent in New York.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Workplace of Regulation Enforcement is investigating the case with help from the Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and California Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Chavez and Pelayo face Lacey Act trafficking expenses carrying a most penalty of 5 years in jail and a $250,000 fantastic.
