San Ysidro Man Charged Smuggling 14 Protected Toucans Otay Mesa

Carlos Abundez, a 35-year-old San Ysidro man, has been charged in federal court after allegedly attempting to smuggle 14 juvenile Keel-billed toucans, a protected species, across the U.S.-Mexico border by concealing them bound and sedated inside his car's dashboard at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. The birds, valued at up to $5,000 each on the black market, suffered injuries including broken tails and a broken leg but are expected to recover after being transferred to veterinary care. This incident marks at least the fourth recent case in San Diego involving the attempted smuggling of exotic birds, highlighting a disturbing trend of wildlife trafficking at Southern California ports. Previous cases this year involved parakeets and parrots being cruelly concealed in vehicles and clothing, often resulting in bird deaths or serious injury. Federal prosecutors and wildlife officials emphasize the cruelty and criminality of this practice, warning of severe legal consequences. Abundez faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.