Bengal tiger cub confiscated from car at border crossing

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers saved a smuggled baby tiger at the California border.

Border officials found the bengal tiger cub during a routine inspection at the Otay Mesa border crossing near San Diego.

It was lying on the floor of the passenger side of a car heading from Mexico to California.

"CBP officers are often faced with unusual situations," said Pete Flores, director of field operations for CBP in San Diego. "The CBP officers at the Otay Mesa port of entry met the challenge head on and assisted in preserving the life of this endangered species."

The driver, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen was arrested.

If convicted he can face up to 20 years in prison.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials took custody of the cub and are working with the San Diego Zoo to care for it.

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