Sixty-Six-Year-Old Woman Charged in Wildlife Trafficking | San Diego News

A 66-year-old woman, Georgina Bribiesca Chavez, faces federal charges after authorities uncovered dozens of live reptiles—including venomous snakes and caimans—hidden in her car at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Triggered by an outstanding warrant, a search revealed concealed compartments packed with protected species, many of which had been trapped in extreme heat for nearly 24 hours; three caimans died before reaching care, while others survived. Chavez and her associate Salvador Pelayo allegedly ran a wildlife trafficking ring since 2023, smuggling animals across borders for profit, including selling protected turtles to undercover agents for over $2,000. Both have pleaded not guilty and are facing possible prison time and heavy fines if convicted. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/68cccfa05daeaec7