Three European nationals were arrested at Lima's international airport in Peru after attempting to smuggle more than 3,000 tarantulas out of the country, concealed inside socks and packed into three suitcases, authorities said. The suspects, two German citizens and one Polish national, were detained moments before boarding a flight to Germany.
The smuggling operation was uncovered following an anonymous tip received by Peruvian authorities, which triggered an intelligence operation that led investigators to the suspects. Inspectors discovered the tarantulas at various stages of development, from eggs and juveniles to fully grown adults.
They also found exceptionally large tarantulas native to the Amazon rainforest, including at least one species classified as vulnerable and protected under Peruvian law. Authorities suspect the animals were destined for collectors, research facilities, or the exotic pet trade.
The three suspects now face criminal proceedings on charges of illegal wildlife trafficking. If convicted of trafficking protected species, they could face prison sentences of up to seven years under Peruvian law.
