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Travelers busted at airport with over 3,000 tarantulas hidden away in their socks
Authorities in Callao, Peru, found more than 3,000 tarantulas concealed in socks inside the luggage of three travellers preparing to fly to Germany. The seizure highlights attempts to smuggle wildlife for the collector trade, and the travellers face criminal proceedings.
The luggage belonged to two German citizens and one Polish citizen, who were stopped while checking in on 3 November after authorities received an anonymous tip. Officials found 15 to 22 socks in each suitcase, containing spiders at different life stages, from eggs and young to adults. Peru’s wildlife service said the species may appeal to collectors because of their colours and size; a previous case at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport involved about 200 lizards hidden in socks.
In short
- More than 3,000 tarantulas were found in socks in three suitcases.
- The travellers were heading from Peru to Germany.
- Peru’s authorities are pursuing criminal proceedings.
Explained simply
Tarantulas are large spiders, and some species are sought after by collectors because of their size or appearance. Peru is home to a range of wildlife, and moving protected animals across borders can be restricted under national and international rules.
Wildlife smuggling involves capturing or transporting animals without the required permits. It can affect wild populations and animal welfare, while creating a market for rare or unusual species. Airport checks and wildlife agencies help enforce rules on the movement of animals, and suspected smuggling can lead to criminal proceedings.