Pounds of monitor lizard parts from Thailand seized at Los Angeles port of entry

U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized contraband linked to Bengal monitor lizards at the Los Angeles Port of Entry, underscoring enforcement against wildlife trafficking tied to imports from Thailand. Officers allegedly found 16 pounds of monitor lizard parts, along with 50 pounds of raw meat and 33 pounds of mangoes, garlic, bamboo, and banana plants, concealed in a single suitcase after K9 Maisy alerted officials. The items were collected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the traveler was reportedly attempting to bring them into Los Angeles. A separate case on July 1 at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego County involved 436 fish fillets across multiple species. Criminal charges were filed over unlawful take, lack of valid Mexican licenses, and illegal importing of fish into the U.S.