see also: in December 2006 News Releases:   William K. Brooks is New Port Director for San Luis, Ariz. Port of Entry   "Santa" Visits Orphans at Port of Entry in San Luis, Ariz.   CBP Border Patrol Seizes $736,000 in Cocaine   CBP Officers Seize $2.4 Million in Cocaine, Process Murder Fugitive   CPB Border Patrol Agents Seize More Than 2,042 Pounds of Marijuana   Man Wanted For Attempted Homicide Caught at San Luis Port of Entry ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Buffalo, New York– U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the seizure of seven birds in a smuggling attempt by two local residents.

On December 15, 2006, CBP officers encountered John Beale (DOB-11/07/47) and Frank Salvini (DOB-08/01/41) as they applied for admission into the United States at the Peace Bridge border crossing, Buffalo, New York. Beale and Salvini, both United States citizens residing in the local area, advised CBP officers that the purpose of their trip to Canada was to purchase a 25 lb. bag of millet. During initial questioning, subjects aroused the suspicion of CBP officers and were subsequently referred for an enforcement exam.

During the course of the exam, seven undeclared live birds (various Finch from unknown country of origin) were discovered. Four of the birds were found within the liner of a coat pocket and the remaining three birds were found in toilet paper rolls that were concealed inside a fanny pack. The birds are believed to be valued between $50 and $200 each.

Agents from Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assisted CBP officers and Agriculture specialist in the initial investigation of the smuggling case. The undeclared birds were seized by CBP and transferred to the custody of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Division of Veterinary Services.

"Beale and Salvini were each assessed a monetary penalty of $1000.00, and the case was referred to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and USDA Investigative and Enforcement Services for further action and possible criminal prosecution," stated Kevin Corsaro, CBP Public Affairs Officer for the Buffalo Field Office. "The smuggling of such birds increases the chances that a communicable bird disease, such as Exotic Newcastle or Avian Influenza, could enter the United States. Our officers and Agriculture specialist continue to execute their responsibilities of protecting the United States food crops and livestock from agricultural pests and diseases."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.