Law & Justice
Lima Airport Seizes Over 3,000 Tarantulas Hidden in Suitcases
More than 3,000 tarantulas were confiscated at Jorge Chávez international airport in Lima while they were being transported to Germany, Peruvian authorities announced. The spiders were concealed inside dirty socks in three suitcases carried by two German nationals and a Polish citizen, the National Forestry and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) told Agence France‑Presse on Thursday. The animals were discovered when customs agents noticed unusual wriggling during a routine inspection. "We noticed that some of them were moving. There were small ones and large ones," said Cora Suarez, a SERFOR wildlife control technician. Suarez added that a single tarantula can sell for about €500 ($560) in Europe, implying the trafficking scheme could be worth roughly €1.5 million for one trip. The spiders, originating from several regions of Peru, were found at different developmental stages, from eggs and hatchlings to adults. The German and Polish suspects were detained by police specializing in environmental crimes and will face criminal proceedings, SERFOR said. Illegal wildlife trafficking is a highly lucrative criminal activity that generates around $20 billion annually worldwide, according to Interpol, and is a major driver of biodiversity loss on the planet.
Frequently asked questions
How many tarantulas were confiscated at Lima airport?
More than 3,000 tarantulas were confiscated.
Who were the suspects involved in the trafficking?
Two German nationals and a Polish citizen were carrying the suitcases.
What is the estimated value of the trafficking scheme?
A single tarantula can sell for about €500, implying the trafficking scheme could be worth roughly €1.5 million for one trip.