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Alberto Hernandez Castillo, a Cuban native legally residing in the U.S., was arrested at Miami International Airport for smuggling ten exotic birds through security in his pants. The birds, eight yellow-faced grassquits and two blue grosbeaks, were found during a pat-down after an unusual bulge near his waist caught authorities' attention. Hernandez Castillo faces charges related to importing wildlife without proper documentation from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and was released on a $25,000 bond pending arraignment.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-10-08,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Alberto Hernandez Castillo, a Cuban native and legal permanent U.S. resident, was arrested at Miami International Airport on October 4 after attempting to smuggle 10 live birds into the country. Customs officers noticed an unusual bulge during his inspection from a flight arriving in Havana, Cuba. Despite signing a customs declaration stating he did not bring any animals or wildlife, Castillo appeared nervous and triggered further investigation. A pat-down revealed six clear plastic tubes sewn into his underwear containing eight yellow-faced grassquits and two blue grosbeaks, both species commonly sold in the illegal pet trade. All 10 birds were found alive but are now under the care of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials for protection and potential rehabilitation.
Written for “Bird Smuggling Arrested” on 2026-10-08,
grounded in this article and the 1 other(s) covering the same event.
A man has been arrested after allegedly sneaking 10 exotic birds through a Florida airport in his pants, according to federal authorities.
uncertain
man → arrest → authorities
Alberto Hernandez Castillo, a Cuban native and permanent legal U.S. resident, was going through Miami International Airport on Sunday when authorities flagged him for a secondary inspection, according to a Homeland Security Investigations complaint obtained by several local news outlets.
uncertain
authorities → go → outlets
Hernandez Castillo, who traveled to Miami from Havana, allegedly indicated on a signed Customs Entry Declaration that he did not bring any animals or wildlife — but an unexplained bulge near his waist gave him away, according to the complaint.
uncertain
bulge → travel → complaint
During a pat-down, authorities allegedly found six plastic tubes sewn into his underwear that contained eight yellow-faced grassquits and two blue grosbeaks.
uncertain
that → find → grassquits
The two species are typically sold in the illegal pet trade, according to reports.
uncertain
species → sell → reports
All 10 birds were found alive.
asserted
birds → find → ?
Yellow-faced grassquits are grayish-green birds found from southeastern Mexico to northern South America.
asserted
grassquits → find → America
The birds can also be found throughout the Greater Antilles, of which Cuba is part.
asserted
Cuba → find → which
Blue grosbeaks, which can often be seen singing while perched atop trees and power lines, can also be found in Mexico, Central America, and the Greater Antilles, as well as most of the U.S.
After Hernandez Castillo was busted, he allegedly told authorities the birds were for his “personal use,” according to the complaint.
uncertain
birds → see → complaint
Authorities reportedly determined he did not have the proper documentation or required clearance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for importing the birds, and he was taken into custody.
uncertain
he → determine → custody
The Independent has reached out to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for comment.
asserted
Independent → reach → comment
Hernandez Castillo was later released on a $25,000 personal surety bond, according to records reviewed by People.
uncertain
Castillo → release → People
He is set to be arraigned on October 26.
asserted
He → set → October
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