Miami Airport Passenger Charged After 'Unexplained Bulge' Leads to 10 Live Birds Allegedly Found in Underwear

A Miami International Airport passenger is facing a federal smuggling charge after officers allegedly found 10 live birds hidden inside plastic tubes sewn into his underwear, according to a criminal complaint filed on Sunday, 4 October.

Alberto Hernandez Castillo, 40, had arrived in Miami from Havana aboard a World Atlantic Airlines flight when customs officers selected him for secondary inspection.

Officers said they noticed an 'unexplained bulge' around his waist and pelvis during the search. A subsequent pat-down allegedly uncovered six plastic tubes concealed inside black pockets sewn into his underwear. Each tube contained live birds, the complaint states.

Hernandez Castillo had completed a Customs Entry Declaration after arriving from Cuba. According to the complaint, he selected 'No' when asked whether he was bringing animals or wildlife into the United States. He told officers he had travelled to Cuba to visit family.

Miami Airport Passenger Stopped After 'Unexplained Bulge'

Customs officers selected Hernandez Castillo for secondary inspection after he landed at Miami International Airport. He listed one carry-on bag and one fanny pack when asked what he was bringing into the country.

During questioning, officers said they noticed an 'unexplained bulge' at the front of his pelvis and waist area. The complaint also states that he 'appeared nervous' while answering routine travel questions.

'The pat-down revealed that Hernandez Castillo was concealing six cylindrical clear plastic containers, each wrapped in tape with some black meshed material affixed near the openings,' a Homeland Security Investigations special agent wrote.

The complaint says the tubes were hidden inside black pockets sewn into Hernandez Castillo's underwear. Authorities identified the 10 birds as eight yellow-faced grassquits and two blue grosbeaks.

After the birds were discovered, Hernandez Castillo allegedly told officers they were for his 'personal use'. He then invoked his right to remain silent, according to the complaint.

Miami Airport Passenger Accused of Failing To Declare Wildlife

The federal case centres on allegations that Hernandez Castillo brought wildlife into the United States without making the required declaration.

Investigators said there was no evidence that he had submitted the required wildlife import documentation or obtained the necessary clearance before bringing the birds into the country.

The complaint details cited in the available reporting do not explain what Hernandez Castillo meant by 'personal use'. They also do not establish that he intended to sell the birds.

CBS Miami reported that both species are commonly smuggled into the United States and sold illegally for the pet trade or singing competitions. However, that wider pattern does not establish what Hernandez Castillo intended to do with the birds in this case.

Miami Airport Passenger Faces Federal Smuggling Charge

Hernandez Castillo has been charged with smuggling goods into the United States. Court records reviewed by PEOPLE show that he appeared in Miami federal court after his arrest. He was subsequently released on a $25,000 (£18,911) personal surety bond.

The allegations concerning the birds, their concealment and Hernandez Castillo's customs declaration remain allegations contained in the federal criminal complaint. His charge does not amount to a conviction.

The case will now proceed through the federal courts after the airport inspection and Hernandez Castillo's release on bond. His arraignment is scheduled for 26 October.

The outcome will depend on the evidence gathered at Miami International Airport, which may include his declaration form, officers' observations, the plastic tubes and the birds recovered during the search.