A Miami airport passenger had an ‘unexplained bulge’; officers found 10 live birds hidden in his underwear | World News

A Miami International Airport passenger returning from Cuba was arrested after US Customs and Border Protection officers found 10 live birds concealed in plastic tubes sewn into his underwear. Alberto Hernandez Castillo, 40, a Cuban national and permanent resident of the US, arrived from Havana on October 4 aboard World Atlantic Flight 503 and was selected for a secondary inspection. According to a federal criminal complaint, Castillo declared that he was not bringing animals or wildlife into the US. Officers searching his luggage found no contraband, but then noticed an “unexplained bulge” around his waist and pelvic area. A subsequent pat-down allegedly uncovered six concealed tubes containing the birds.

‘Unexplained bulge’ raises suspicion at Miami airport

During the secondary inspection, Castillo reportedly told officers that he had travelled to Cuba to visit family and was carrying a carry-on bag and a fanny pack. He signed a Customs Entry Declaration in which he answered “No” when asked whether he was bringing animals or wildlife into the country, according to the complaint.Officers searched his belongings but found nothing unusual. During further questioning, however, they noticed what the complaint described as an “unexplained bulge” at the front of his waist and pelvis. Officers also reported that he appeared nervous. They then took him to a secure area for a pat-down.

Six tubes were sewn into his underwear

The pat-down allegedly revealed six clear cylindrical plastic containers wrapped in tape and concealed inside black pockets sewn into Castillo’s underwear. The openings of the containers had black mesh attached to allow airflow.Inside the containers were 10 live birds. Investigators preliminarily identified eight of them as yellow-faced grassquits (Tiaris olivaceus) and two as blue grosbeaks (Passerina caerulea). Several of the birds were subsequently placed in a cage after being removed from the containers, according to ABC News.

Eight yellow-faced grassquits and two blue grosbeaks

The eight yellow-faced grassquits are small seed-eating birds found across parts of Central America, South America and the Caribbean, including Cuba. The two blue grosbeaks are North American songbirds. The species were identified preliminarily by investigators following the discovery at the airport.CBS Miami reported that blue grosbeaks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, meaning their transport requires the appropriate authorisation. Both species have also been associated with illegal bird trafficking, including trade for pets and singing competitions.

He said the birds were for “personal use”

After the birds were discovered, Castillo allegedly told officers that they were for his “personal use”, according to the criminal complaint. He then invoked his right to remain silent.Federal investigators said Castillo did not have the documentation required to legally import the birds into the US and had not obtained the necessary clearance from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. He was subsequently charged with smuggling goods into the United States.Following his arrest, Castillo appeared in federal court in Miami and was released on a $25,000 personal surety bond. His arraignment is scheduled for October 26, 2026.The US Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating the incident. The status of the 10 birds was not immediately clear in the latest reports.