KUWAIT: Customs officials foiled a co-pilot’s attempt to smuggle 12 exotic birds on a commercial flight that landed in Kuwait on coming from New York. The African Grey Parrots were found inside a closed suitcase placed between the passengers’ luggage and the co-pilot later admitted he was trying to smuggle them. A source in the Customs General Department said that the same co-pilot was previously detained on similar smuggling charges but was released on parole. Each bird costs KD 150 to KD 200 and can be sold for over KD 1,000 in Kuwait, the source added.