Four men have been sentenced for attempting to smuggle more than 100 tropical birds from Puerto Rico. Their failed plan resulted in all the birds drowning.
Federal authorities reported that the smugglers, all Dominican nationals, were caught last May. They were transporting the birds in a flagless vessel about 30 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico. When the U.S. Coast Guard approached, the crew threw wooden cages containing live birds into the ocean.
By the time officials recovered the cages, all 113 birds had drowned.
A Failed Tropical Bird Smuggling Operation
The birds included several internationally protected species. White-crowned parrots, golden-capped parakeets, and green-cheeked conures were found among the deceased birds. The group also possessed red-crowned parrots, which are at high risk of extinction due to illegal trafficking.
The four men did not have the proper wildlife export licenses. They also failed to make the required declarations for exporting wildlife. The smuggling attempt violated the Lacey Act, which protects wildlife from illegal trade.
Sentencing and Consequences
The four men involved were arrested and charged in May 2024. Waner Balbuena and Juan Graviel Ramírez Cedano have already been sentenced to 12 months and 1 day each in a separate trial last year.
Now, Frankluis Carela De Jesús has received a matching sentence of 12 months and 1 day in prison. The fourth man, Domingo Heureau Altagracia, was sentenced to 8 months.
Federal officials condemned the crime, calling it not only illegal but also cruel. They emphasized that wildlife trafficking not only harms animals but also threatens ecosystems. Many of these birds are already in danger due to the pet trade.
“The illegal trafficking of wildlife is not just an environmental crime — it is a direct threat to public health, economic stability, and global biodiversity,” said Director Roberto Vaquero of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) San Juan Field Operations. “CBP remains committed to enforcing wildlife trade laws and stopping the flow of illicit wildlife products that fuel criminal networks and endanger ecosystems. Protecting our borders from these threats is a critical part of safeguarding both national security and global health.”
Growing Concerns Over Wildlife Trafficking
Wildlife smuggling remains a serious global issue. It fuels criminal networks and disrupts ecosystems. The illegal trade in exotic pets, traditional medicine, and luxury goods continues to grow. Smugglers often use remote coastal routes to evade authorities.
“I commend the excellent collaboration of the prosecutors and our law enforcement partners who remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting our wildlife. Because of their hard work, justice was served,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico.
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