Three men arrested in Peru with about 3000 tarantulas hidden in luggage
Two Germans and a Polish national were arrested at Lima airport. They tried to fly 3000 tarantulas to Europe in hidden suitcases.
Three men were arrested at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima. The men planned to fly about 3000 tarantulas to Dusseldorf, Germany, and Krakow, Poland.
Customs officers found the spiders hidden in plastic containers inside checked luggage. One of the men is reportedly a well-known tarantula researcher.
Some spiders were protected species. Authorities say some had not yet been discovered by science.
Wildlife expert Cora Suarez said the traffickers chose different species and stages, from eggs to adults. A tip from someone led police to conduct this investigation.
The men now face charges for illegal trafficking in protected species. After checks are done, the tarantulas will go to an authorized breeding center.
- About 3000
- Tarantulas seized
- Eggs, juveniles, and adults
- Development stages found
- Dusseldorf, Germany and Krakow, Poland
- Destination airports
- Some species had not yet been described
- Unknown to science
Why it mattersThis seizure shows wildlife trafficking networks are at work. It highlights the demand for rare species.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but the bust affects international wildlife protection enforcement.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
