Lima, Nov. 6 (SANA) Peruvian authorities seized more than 3,000 tarantulas concealed in dirty socks inside suitcases at Lima’s international airport, foiling an alleged wildlife smuggling attempt.
The spiders were discovered during a routine customs inspection after officers noticed movement inside luggage carried by two German nationals and a Polish citizen, Peru‘s National Forest and Wildlife Service said Friday.
The agency said the shipment included tarantulas at various stages of development, from newly hatched spiderlings to adults, as well as eggs. The specimens had been collected from different parts of Peru.
Cora Suarez, a wildlife control technician with the agency, said individual tarantulas could sell for up to 500 euros ($580) in European markets. She estimated the shipment’s potential value at around 1.5 million euros.
Police specializing in environmental crimes detained the three suspects, who face legal proceedings over alleged illegal wildlife trafficking, the agency said.
According to Interpol, the illegal wildlife trade generates an estimated $20 billion annually worldwide and poses a major threat to biodiversity.
TS/ABD
