(CBP Officers deter a smuggling attempt)...It happened recently at the Calexico Downtown Port.

A 29 year old woman and a 31 year old man had driven a van up to the port, in an attempt to cross the border. During the initial inspection, the Customs and Border Protection officer noticed an animal carrier hidden behind the rear seat in the van. The officer noticed the carrier contained live monkeys. They were sent to the secondary inspection area. The CBP officers discovered three baby spider monkeys. The monkeys were seized and taken to a safe and secure area where they will remain quarantined by the US Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services until they are rehomed. Spider Monkeys are listed as an endangered species and therefore it is illegal to smuggle them across the border. The male and female occupants were arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations. It is suspected the two will be turned over to Fish and Wildlife Services for processing.