Colombia Arrests American Celebrity Fashion Designer for Allegedly Smuggling Crocodile Handbags Into the US

Fashion designer Nancy Gonzales, known for her popular accessory products in Hollywood, have been arrested by the Colombian government in her hometown in Cali, Colombia.

Multiple reports indicated that the arrest came after Gonzales allegedly smuggled crocodile handbags into the United States in an unspecified timeframe.

The top American celebrity fashion designer is currently facing US extradition, where a $500,000 fine and a 25-year imprisonment is reportedly waiting for her if found guilty in the US Southern District of Florida.

The handbags can be sold for up to $10,000 by designer stores across the US and Europe.

Fashion Designer Arrested

According to Fox News, Colombian prosecutors claimed that Gonzales was involved in the apparent crocodile handbag smuggling from her home country.

Their entry into the US is illegal since the accessories are made from crocodile skin or crocodile hide.

While it is illegal to sell these animal hides, there are instances where it could be allowed in the North American country under the right, yet costly, certificate.

The US media outlet also mentioned that a popular Hollywood TV series and a number of celebrities purportedly used controversial handbags.

Crocodile Handbag Smuggling

Investigation by both Colombian and US authorities suggested that Gonzales smuggled approximately hundreds of handbags through airplane passengers that she paid for them to carry in their personal luggage.

It was not provided as to which specific flights or routes the smuggling took place.

However, the probe believes that they were all direct flights into the US.

Fox News said that the fashion guru told the passengers to say the bags will serve as gifts for their relatives when questioned by agents from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Round-Trip Flight

The Durango Herald stated on Saturday, July 9, that two investigators working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) informed the Associated Press that up to 12 people, individually carrying four handbags, boarded a single flight to the US.

The flight was under round-trip tickets sponsored by Gonzales herself.

The investigators reportedly asked those who were involved in the smuggling to have their identities remain anonymous for the sake of the continuance of the investigation.

In 2019, an interview between Gonzales and the Miami Herald said she felt the responsibility to further improve her products each time she saw a photo or video of a celebrity carrying one of her carefully crafted handbags, according to the Durango Herald.

Wildlife Trafficking

Wildlife trafficking, whether it involves the illegal trade of animal products or smuggling of live wild animals, have been a growing threat against the conservation of protecting endangered species or threatened species.

The global network of this trade networks can be conducted through various means, including cross-border land transportation, ships, and flights.

In the US, the non-profit organization Defenders of Wildlife discovered the wildlife imports to the country comes from 214 different countries and territories, with Asia being the most exporting region followed by Mexico and Canada.

Along with the CBP, the FWS monitors all 65 ports of entry nationwide. The case of Gonzales is just the tip of the iceberg, as related incidents have increased in recent decades.