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Kevin Andre McKenzie Arrested At JFK After Being Caught Smuggling Nearly 3 Dozen Finches Into U.S.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A man flying in from Guyana was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday after being caught smuggling nearly three dozen finches.

Customs agents found the birds stuffed inside hair rollers hidden in Kevin Andre McKenzie's clothes.

McKenzie says he was offered $3,000 to smuggle them into the United States.

He was charged with unlawfully importing the finches.

Investigators say the birds are often entered into so-called "singing contests" in Brooklyn and Queens.

A winning finch can sell for more than $10,000.

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