Peruvian orchid grower imprisoned for smuggling

MIAMI (AP) — A prominent Peruvian orchid grower was sentenced Tuesday to 21 months in federal prison for smuggling internationally protected wild orchids into the United States, hidden among legal nursery-raised plants.

Manuel Arias Silva pleaded guilty to one count each of smuggling conspiracy and filing false customs statements. He admitted shipping 2,050 orchids, including an endangered species of Phragmipedium or tropical lady slipper orchids, worth $45,500.