OMM Newsroom
Peruvian authorities have seized more than 3,000 tarantulas hidden in socks in the luggage of three Europeans preparing to fly to Germany. A criminal investigation has been opened on suspicion of wildlife trafficking, AnewZ reports.
The National Forest and Wildlife Service (Serfor) said Wednesday that the spiders were discovered during an inspection prompted by an anonymous tip.
Eggs, young and adult tarantulas had been placed in dozens of labelled socks and concealed in three suitcases belonging to two German nationals and one Polish national. Each suitcase contained 15 to 22 socks, with varying numbers of tarantulas from different species inside, said Cora Suarez, a wildlife control technician.
Suarez said the spiders belong to the genera Brachypelma, Pamphobeteus and Avicularia. These species are highly valued by collectors for their distinctive colors and sizes, she said, suggesting they may have been intended for the exotic pet trade.
The suspects were detained while checking in for a flight to Germany and later handed over to a unit of the Peruvian police that investigates environmental crimes. Authorities said the Specialized Environmental Prosecutor’s Office is handling the criminal proceedings.
