On Thursday, Peruvian authorities seized more than 3,000 tarantulas hidden in worn socks inside three suitcases at Lima's international airport from two German citizens and one Polish national preparing to fly to Germany.
The discovery came during a routine check after officials received an anonymous tip. The spiders were packed in dozens of socks spread across the three suitcases. Each suitcase contained between 15 and 22 socks holding different numbers and species of tarantulas.
"When we began the search, we found that some socks were moving," said Cora Suárez, a wildlife control expert at the airport checkpoint. The animals were in various stages of development, from eggs and hatchlings to adults.
The three travelers were detained at the check-in counter by Peru's National Police unit specializing in environmental crimes. They now face criminal proceedings before the special prosecutor for environmental affairs. According to authorities, one of the detainees may be a tarantula researcher.
The tarantulas were destined for Germany, where individual specimens can sell for up to 500 euros. The spiders, some with striking colors, were intended for collecting, research and as pets. Experts placed the confiscated arachnids in plastic containers. According to Interpol, the global illegal wildlife trade generates an estimated 20 billion dollars annually.
Under Peruvian law, illegal transport of wild animals carries three to five years in prison. For protected species, the sentence can rise to seven years. Among the seized specimens was Pamphobeteus antinous, one of South America's largest tarantulas and a protected species in Peru. The smugglers had made a careful selection to include various species, including some not yet described by science.
The spiders originated from various regions of Peru, including Junín, Loreto, Cajamarca, Cusco and La Libertad. They included species from the genera Brachypelma, Pamphobeteus and Avicularia. After identification is complete, the animals will be moved to an authorized breeding station.
