A 66-year-old woman named Georgina Bribiesca Chavez, identified as a resident of Tijuana, has been arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered 69 live animals hidden in her vehicle the day after her arrest. The animals included venomous vipers, caimans, and a baby crocodile found stuffed inside taped-shut pillowcases within a concealed compartment of her Volkswagen.

Arrest and Discovery

Chavez attempted to enter the U.S. through the San Ysidro Port of Entry on August 10. She allegedly informed a CBP officer that she had nothing to declare. However, a records check revealed an outstanding warrant linked to a wildlife trafficking investigation. Officers seized her Volkswagen but found the animals only after inspecting the vehicle the following day. They discovered the animals inside pillowcases that were knotted and sealed with tape behind the rear seat.

Wildlife Trafficking Charges

Chavez has been charged with federal wildlife trafficking. Prosecutors stated that Chavez did not disclose the presence of the animals, leaving them in the vehicle for almost 24 hours in the heat. Sadly, all three caimans died, but the other animals were stable and remained under the care of the San Diego Zoo.

Chavez, holding a plea of not guilty, has been denied bond. Her alleged accomplice, Salvador Pelayo from Chula Vista, was arrested in July. He has also pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Undercover Investigation

The arrests resulted from an 18-month undercover operation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Prosecutors allege Chavez and Pelayo have trafficked wildlife since 2023, earning tens of thousands of dollars from selling exotic animals. In March 2025, Chavez delivered four protected Mexican box turtles to an agent during a covert transaction, receiving $2,600 in cash. Sadly, these turtles died later due to poor health and a respiratory disease.

Pelayo also faces accusations of using the alias “Jose Lopez” to ship protected turtles to an undercover agent in New York.

Potential Penalties

Chavez and Pelayo face charges under the Lacey Act, carrying potential penalties of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The investigation is ongoing, with assistance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.