Pigeon smugglers foiled at border

http://www.thestar.com/News/article/290046 ^ | 02/18/08

[Sammy67]

Two Canadian bird smugglers were foiled on Sunday when they tried to cross the U.S. border with four exotic pigeons stuffed into their jackets. The discovery was made as the two Canadian citizens attempted to enter the United States through the Lewiston Bridge border crossing, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.

When the men were asked to remove their jackets, authorities found four live pigeons stuffed into the inside pockets.

Kevin Corsaro of CBP public affairs said they could face criminal charges.

“The smuggling of such birds increases the chances that a communicable bird disease, such as exotic newcastle or avian influenza, could enter the United States,” Corsaro explained.

The birds were from an unknown country of origin.

An interrogation

[Sammy67]

Purchasing a loaf of bread.....$1.19 Purchasing a net..........$8.99 Sitting in park throwing bread..Free

Getting caught smuggling 4 pigeons into the country..........$1000.00

Making the News in 2 countries portrayed as a complete idiot with a friend...Priceless

[Nachoman]

Hey, that’s my lunch!

[Rennes Templar]

“authorities found four live pigeons stuffed into the inside pockets.”

I hate to think what else they found in those pockets.

[skinkinthegrass]

hmm...more rats w/wings...couldn't they (da birds :) just fly over the border.

[MarineBrat]

Sky-rats for dinner.

[manic4organic]

At least they weren’t smuggling gerbils.

[tlb]

>>>When the men were asked to remove their jackets, authorities found four live pigeons stuffed into the inside pockets.

At this point police suspected fowl play and acted accordingly.