3,000 tarantulas seized from three travellers at Peru airport

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 20:16 · Archive

Authorities seized more than 3,000 tarantulas hidden in socks in luggage at a Peruvian airport after an anonymous tip.

More than 3,000 tarantulas were discovered hidden inside socks packed in three suitcases at Callao airport in Peru on 3 November. Two German citizens and one Polish citizen boarding a flight to Germany were detained after authorities, acting on an anonymous tip, searched their luggage during check-in.

Authorities found between 15 and 22 socks in each suitcase, containing tarantulas of different species at varying stages of development, from eggs and young spiders to adults. Cora Suarez, a wildlife forestry control technician with Peru's National Forestry and Wildlife Service, said the creatures attract collectors because of their colours, size and desirability to hobbyists.

The three travellers were detained by Peru's environmental crimes police. They now face criminal proceedings led by a specialised environmental prosecutor's office. Experts say money drives such unusual smuggling attempts, with collectors willing to pay for rare or attractive species.

How it is being reported

• Travelers busted at airport with over 3,000 tarantulas hidden away in their socksOver 3,000 tarantulas were found hidden inside pairs of socks in three suitcases at a Peru airport, leading to the detention of two German and one Polish citizen.Fox News · 5 Nov, 18:48
• 3,000 tarantulas hidden inside luggage seized at Peruvian airportIn a peculiar failed smuggling attempt, 3,000 tarantulas were seized at a Peruvian airport.Al Jazeera · 5 Nov, 12:56

In this story: Peru · Germany · Callao · National Forestry and Wildlife Service

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log