Tijuana resident detained at San Ysidro border; 69 live animals later uncovered in car

Federal prosecutors identified Georgina Bribiesca Chavez, a 66-year-old Tijuana resident, as the suspect arrested at the San Ysidro border on Aug. 10 after a background check revealed an outstanding wildlife-trafficking warrant. Border agents seized her Volkswagen but did not locate the concealed cargo until a morning inspection uncovered a factory compartment behind the rear seat holding pillowcases knotted and taped shut.

The sealed bags contained 60 abronia lizards, four yellow-blotched palm pit vipers, three caimans, a baby crocodile and an indigo snake, which were handed over to the San Diego Zoo. The caimans died, while the other animals were reported stable. Chavez entered a not-guilty plea and remains detained without bond. Her alleged associate, Salvador Pelayo, faces similar charges stemming from an 18-month undercover investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.