Yucatán Bust: Men Caught With Rare Birds

Yucatán, Mexico — An operation by the State Public Security Secretariat (SSP) uncovered the illegal transport of protected birds in a vehicle stopped on the Dzidzantún–Dzilam González highway in Yucatán. During the inspection, three individuals were detained for interfering with police work and for transporting several endangered species without documentation certifying their legal possession.

The incident occurred when officers with the State Public Security Secretariat pulled over an SUV-type vehicle at kilometer 5 of the aforementioned highway. During the routine intervention, three male individuals allegedly obstructed the police officers' work, which led to their detention.

The detainees are identified as S. R. M. M., 77 years old and a native of Mérida; R. A. L. A., 65 years old; and J. J. X. P., 58 years old, both natives of the municipality of Conkal.

The officers proceeded to impound the vehicle and move it to the police compound for corresponding procedures. Inside the vehicle, the agents located six wooden cages containing seven Yellow-headed Parrots and four Northern Cardinals, species considered at risk and protected by environmental regulations.

None of the birds had documentation or records certifying their legal origin. The birds were taken into protective custody and handed over to the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) in the city of Mérida, where they will be assessed to determine their condition and the corresponding procedure.

Meanwhile, the three detainees and the impounded vehicle were turned over to the competent authorities, who will continue with the investigation to determine their legal status.