Customs Agents Seize 3,000 Tarantulas Hidden in Socks at Lima Airport
Peruvian authorities intercepted three suitcases containing over 3,000 tarantulas stashed in dirty socks. Inspectors halted the shipment to Germany.
POLICY WIRE — Lima, Peru — Peruvian customs officials successfully thwarted a significant wildlife trafficking attempt by seizing more than 3,000 tarantulas at the nation’s primary international hub.
The hairy arachnids were discovered concealed within soiled socks found inside three separate suitcases and destined for Germany.
The National Forestry and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) confirmed to Agence France-Presse that the seizure involved two German nationals and one Polish citizen.
During a standard baggage screening, inspectors observed irregular movements inside the luggage that prompted a deeper investigation.
This unusual discovery prevented the large group of spiders from being smuggled across borders, highlighting persistent challenges in detecting unusual cargo.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
