Peru seizes 3,000 tarantulas smuggled in dirty socks to Germany
Authorities at Lima airport discovered the spiders hidden in luggage carried by three European travellers.
At a glance
- More than 3,000 tarantulas were discovered hidden in dirty socks at Lima airport
- The spiders were in three suitcases carried by two Germans and a Polish citizen
- The shipment was headed to Germany, where the spiders could have sold for approximately €1.5 million
Peruvian officials seized more than 3,000 tarantulas at an airport in Lima that were being smuggled to Germany, the National Forestry and Wildlife Service said. The spiders were concealed inside dirty socks packed in three suitcases carried by two German nationals and one Polish citizen.
The tarantulas were reportedly destined for sale in Germany, where they could have fetched an estimated €1.5 million, according to authorities.
Why it matters
The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to prevent illegal wildlife trafficking, which threatens species and ecosystems.
Original reporting
- The Guardian — WorldPeru airport officials discover 3,000 tarantulas smuggled inside dirty socks
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