Bengal tiger cub confiscated from car at border crossing

(FOX 11) - 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.

Copyright 2017 FOX 11 Los Angeles : Download our mobile app for breaking news alerts or to watch FOX 11 News | Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube . Be a citizen journalist for FOX 11 and get paid - download the Fresco News App today.