U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers rescued an illegally-trafficked tiger cub from a driver who was attempting to cross the border into California from Mexico on Wednesday morning.
An 18-year-old man arrived at Otay Mesa port of entry with a 21-year-old passenger in a 2017 Chevy Camaro. When CBP officers pulled the car over for further inspection, they found a tiger cub lying on the floor of the front passenger side.
The officers removed the cub from the car and placed it inside of a crate until U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service responded.
"CBP officers at Otay Mesa port of entry met the challenge head on and assisted in preserving the life of this endangered species," said Pete Flores, director of field operations for CBP in San Diego.
The driver, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and is awating arraignment. Agents from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service took custody of the cub and are working with the San Diego Zoo Global to maintain its safety.
