A woman allegedly tried to smuggle dozens of exotic reptiles across the US-Mexico border hidden inside taped-up pillowcases in her car.
Georgina Bribiesca Chavez, 66, is accused of concealing the animals inside a compartment behind the rear seat of her Volkswagen.
The bizarre discovery was made after officers seized the vehicle and searched it the following morning.
READ MORE: Huge crocodile breaks into family home as DOGS take on beast
Inside, they allegedly found several knotted pillowcases sealed with tape – with one appearing to move.
Officers called for backup before the packages were taken to San Diego Zoo and carefully opened, as reported by Need To Know.
Inside were 60 abronia lizards, four venomous yellow-blotched palm pit vipers, three caimans, a baby crocodile and an indigo snake.
Some of the species are protected under international treaties because of their threatened or endangered status.
Three of the caimans died after allegedly being left inside the vehicle for almost 24 hours in the August heat.
The surviving animals were reported to be stable and are being cared for by the zoo.
Chavez was arrested last week after applying to enter the US at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
According to the US Department of Justice, she told a Customs and Border Protection officer she had nothing to declare.
But while checking her identification, the officer discovered Chavez had an outstanding arrest warrant linked to a long-running wildlife trafficking investigation.
Her vehicle was then seized.
The discovery came after investigators spent around 18 months probing Chavez and her alleged partner, Salvador Pelayo, 28.
Prosecutors claim the pair had worked together since 2023 to smuggle protected wildlife across the US-Mexico border before selling the animals to American buyers.
Investigators carried out undercover purchases and allegedly witnessed the pair sending and receiving animals at shipping centres around San Diego.
In one alleged deal, an undercover agent paid Chavez ,600 for four protected Mexican box turtles in March 2025.
The turtles were later transferred to Oakland Zoo but were reportedly in poor health, and all four eventually died.
In another alleged transaction, Pelayo is accused of using the fake name ‘Jose Lopez’ to ship four protected box turtles to an undercover buyer in New York.
The pair are also accused of exporting wildlife from the US to Mexico for sale.
Prosecutors claim the alleged operation generated tens of thousands of dollars in profit.
Chavez appeared in federal court and was ordered to remain in custody without bond pending trial.
Both she and Pelayo have pleaded not guilty.
They are each charged with trafficking wildlife under the Lacey Act, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a 50,000 fine.
Chavez is due back in court on 27 August, while Pelayo’s next hearing is scheduled for 2 October.
US Attorney Adam Gordon said: “These animals were not cargo – they were living creatures subjected to dangerous conditions for profit.”
The investigation is being carried out by the US Fish and Wildlife Service with assistance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
READ MORE: Helena Ford reveals Love Islanders were BANNED from masturbating in villa
