Authorities in Peru seized more than 3,000 tarantulas hidden in socks in three passengers’ luggage at Jorge Chávez International Airport. (Foto: Instagram)
Authorities at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Peru seized more than 3,000 tarantulas concealed in socks inside the luggage of three passengers: two German citizens and one Polish citizen. The passengers were planning to travel to Germany. One of them was described as a prominent tarantula researcher.
Cora Suárez, a forest and wildlife control specialist with Peru’s Forest and Wildlife Service, known as Serfor, said the spiders were found in three suitcases and included eggs, young spiders and adults. She said the shipment contained a carefully selected mix of species, some of which have not yet been described by science.
Serfor and customs officials reported the seizure, and Peru’s National Police detained the three passengers. Authorities said the travelers would face criminal proceedings as well as an administrative sanction process.
The tarantulas came from different parts of Peru, according to Serfor. Authorities suspect the animals were being smuggled for research and breeding as pets.
