Budgie smuggler: Passenger with 'unexplained bulge' is caught sneaking ten live birds past US border control

Published: 05:40 EDT, 8 October 2026 | Updated: 05:41 EDT, 8 October 2026 A passenger with an 'unexplained bulge' has been caught trying to smuggle ten live birds past US border control. Alberto Hernandez Castillo was flagged by American customs officers for a search after they noticed something suspicious below the waist. According to reports, officers noticed he was nervous and that he had an 'unexplained bulge' in the pelvis and waist area. Border control took him to a separate inspection area where Castillo was found hiding six plastic tubes wrapped in tape – which were sewn into his pants. Each tube contained live birds with a total of ten found on him. The traveller, originally from Cuba, jetted into Miami on October 4 where he was stopped and searched. The species included eight yellow-faced Grassquits and two Blue Grosbeaks – two of the most common types in the illegal bird trade. The shocking discovery was made after he was selected for a secondary inspection. US Customs and Border Protection officers gave him a document to declare any items he was taking into the US. Castillo ticked no to all questions – even ones asking whether he was bringing any wildlife into the country. Alberto Hernandez Castillo was flagged by American customs officers for a search after they noticed something suspicious below the waist Officials found he had stuffed ten live birds down his trousersHe reportedly told the officer that he had been to Cuba to visit his family. The man claimed that the birds were for 'personal use' before invoking his right to remain silent. Officers charged him with smuggling goods. Castillo appeared in Miami federal court and was released on a $5,000 (£3,790) personal surety bond. His arraignment date is set for October 26. Last year, a car carrying more than 2,000 live tarantulas worth £70,000 was intercepted at Britain's borders in a crackdown on wildlife smuggling. An elephant hair ring from the US, king cobra balm from Thailand and a blacktip shark jaw from Australia were also intercepted.The illegal items were among hundreds of endangered species and illegal wildlife products seized at airports, ports and depots across the country.The seizures last autumn were part of an annual international operation to combat illegal wildlife smuggling – representing a 73 per cent increase on the previous year.Officials said two live rainbow boa constrictors were also found hidden under blankets in a car in Dover having been bought at a German reptile show without a licence.Border Force also discovered more than 100 endangered birds crammed into a car, including scarlet ibis, green-cheeked conures and lovebirds.Officers also seized items including shark and crocodile meat, ivory carvings and a tiger claw bottle as part of the crackdown.They warned of a surge in spider-trafficking since 2023, including in tarantulas. Adult tarantulas can sell for between £50 and £500 depending on the species.In just one month, the Border Force seized more than 250 endangered species and illegal wildlife products being smuggled into the country.