Tijuana Woman Arrested for Smuggling Live Animals Across the Border

A Tijuana woman was detained at the U.S.-Mexico border after officers found 69 live animals inside her vehicle. The animals included venomous vipers, caimans, and a baby crocodile.

On August 10, Georgina Bribiesca Chavez, 66, was stopped at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Prosecutors say she claimed to have nothing to declare, but a record check showed an outstanding warrant related to wildlife trafficking.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) took her Volkswagen for inspection. The following day, they discovered animals in a hidden compartment behind the rear seat, packed in pillowcases sealed with tape.

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The animals were brought to the San Diego Zoo, where workers found 60 abronia lizards, four yellow-blotched palm pit vipers, three caimans, a baby crocodile, and an indigo snake. Tragically, the caimans did not survive.

Chavez has pleaded not guilty to federal wildlife trafficking charges and is held without bond. Her alleged associate, Salvador Pelayo, 28, from Chula Vista, also faces charges and has pleaded not guilty.

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The arrests occurred after an 18-month investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Chavez and Pelayo allegedly trafficked wildlife since 2023, making substantial profits by selling exotic animals.

During a March 2025 sting operation, Chavez reportedly delivered four protected Mexican box turtles to an agent for $2,600. These turtles later died due to health issues stemming from poor conditions while caught.

Pelayo allegedly used the alias “Jose Lopez” to send turtles to an agent in New York. Both Chavez and Pelayo face Lacey Act charges, which can result in up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with help from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, is investigating the matter.