Mexican citizen charged with smuggling 12 protected parakeets into U.S., facing up to 20 years in prison.

A 54-year-old Mexican citizen, Lajud Libien, is charged with smuggling 12 protected orange-fronted parakeets into the U.S. through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. The birds were hidden in his boots and car seat cushion, with at least two dying during the attempt. These parakeets are listed on Appendix II of CITES, requiring quarantine to prevent disease spread. Libien faces up to 20 years in prison.