Peru Seizes More Than 3,000 Tarantulas Hidden in Socks
Peruvian authorities seized more than 3,000 tarantulas bound for Germany, according to Peru's National Forestry and Wildlife Service, known as SERFOR, which disclosed the seizure to Agence France-Presse. The spiders were found at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Callao, Peru.
The animals were hidden inside dirty socks packed into three suitcases. The seizure took place during a routine customs inspection, the process in which officers check travellers' baggage at the border. Agents noticed unusual wriggling inside the luggage and opened it, according to the report. NY Post reported that the tarantulas were discovered in travellers' luggage on a Tuesday.
The three suitcases were carried by two German nationals and one Polish citizen. The spiders came from several regions of Peru and included eggs, hatchlings and adults at different stages of development.
Cora Suarez, a wildlife control technician at SERFOR, said one tarantula can sell for about €500 ($560) in Europe. The shipment had a potential value of €1.5 million for a single trip, according to the same report.
The three Europeans accused of smuggling the tarantulas were detained by police who specialise in environmental crimes. SERFOR said the detained suspects will face criminal proceedings.
Wildlife trafficking, the illegal trade in animals and plants, is a large global business. Interpol, the international police organisation, estimates that it generates around $20 billion a year worldwide.
