In a joint operation led by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), a major wildlife smuggling attempt was thwarted off the coast of Puerto Rico.
Four individuals from the Dominican Republic are now facing federal charges after a grand jury indictment was returned last Thursday in the District of Puerto Rico.
According to court documents, Frankluis Carela De Jesús, Waner Balbuena, Juan Graviel Ramírez Cedano, and Domingo Heureau Altagracia were apprehended as they attempted to smuggle various species of tropical birds from Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic for financial gain.
The operation unfolded around May 3, 2024, when the four suspects embarked on a flagless vessel from San Juan, Puerto Rico, destined for the Dominican Republic.
Their vessel was laden with crates containing tropical birds, yet lacked the necessary licenses and failed to comply with federal regulations governing the exportation of wildlife.
However, their illegal activities were intercepted approximately 30 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico when the USCG approached their vessel.
Witnesses reported seeing the crew tossing objects overboard in an attempt to dispose of evidence. The USCG swiftly boarded the vessel, recovering numerous wooden cages containing deceased tropical birds from the ocean waters.
In total, approximately 113 deceased birds were retrieved from the discarded crates, serving as damning evidence of the defendants’ illicit actions.
US Attorney Muldrow condemned their actions, highlighting the violation of laws protecting tropical birds and regulating the international sale and exportation of wildlife.
“The defendants violated laws protecting tropical birds and regulating the international sale and exportation of wildlife. When confronted by law enforcement, the defendants tried to cover up those crimes by killing the protected birds by throwing them into the sea while still in their wooden crates,” said US Attorney Muldrow.
Following their apprehension, the defendants appeared before US Magistrate Judge Marcos E. López of the US District Court for the District of Puerto Rico for arraignment and detention hearings.
Three of the suspects were ordered detained pending trial, while Domingo Heureau-Altagracia was placed under home confinement.
If convicted, the defendants could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, with sentencing to be determined by a federal district court judge considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation into this wildlife smuggling operation is ongoing, led by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Protection.
Their collaborative efforts have not only halted a significant threat to wildlife but also underscored the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combatting illegal wildlife trafficking.
As the case progresses, authorities remain vigilant in safeguarding endangered species and upholding the laws designed to protect our planet’s diverse wildlife populations.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our staff editorial members
