- Customs agents seized 20 live finches from a bag carried by a passenger arriving from Guyana
- The passenger was fined $300 and was barred from entering the U.S.
- He was immediately placed on a return flight
- Pet birds are regulated since they can carry viral and bacterial diseases
- The finches are pitted beak to beak in a New York talent-show-style match to see which one has the chirpier singing voice
- Guyanese immigrants place wagers on two birds, and a judge declares the winner based on which bird holds a better tune
A man was arrested at New York’s JFK Airport for trying to smuggle a bag of exotic birds.
The man had just arrived from Georgetown, Guyana when he was held by police who found he was trying to smuggle 20 live finches into the country in his carry-on bag.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and agriculture specialists at the airport made the unusual discovery on March 3 after inspecting the luggage the Guyanese national.
Customs agents seized 20 live finches from a bag carried by a passenger arriving from Guyana
Each of the birds were being stored in tube-shaped enclosures to prevent them from escaping
A finch that can carrying a tune can sell for more than $5,000 in New York
CBP officers found the finches being held in tube-shaped enclosures.
All 20 birds were seized and put into quarantine while the man was fined $300 and refused entry into the U.S. before being put on the next plane back to Guyana.
‘CBP’s agriculture specialists protect our country every day from pests and diseases, the introduction of an animal or plant borne pest or disease could have a devastating impact on America’s Agricultural industry.’ said Leon Hayward, Acting Director of CBP’s New York Field Operations.
Pet birds are regulated since they can carry viral and bacterial diseases such as avian influenza, exotic Newcastle disease and psittacosis.
Pet birds are regulated since they can carry viral and bacterial diseases such as avian influenza, exotic Newcastle disease and psittacosis
For years now people have been sneaking Guyanese finches called Towa Towas into New York.
The birds are used by Brooklyn’s Guyanese community for singing competitions; people place bets on two birds, and a judge decides which one has the lovlier song.
A finch with a lot of wins under his beak can sell for more than $5,000.