Over 3,000 tarantulas seized at Jorge Chávez airport; two German and one Polish nationals arrested
Customs and police intercepted an attempted illegal export on November 3 after a tip to the SERFOR alert platform; specimens include eggs, thousands of juveniles and adults.
More than 3,000 tarantulas were seized at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Callao, Peru, after customs and police intercepted an attempt to illegally export the animals, authorities said.
Seizure and investigation
The operation took place on November 3 and led to the arrest of two German nationals and one Polish national who were preparing to depart for Germany. Officers found eggs, thousands of juvenile tarantulas and adult specimens among the confiscated material.
"A few days ago, through the SERFOR online alert platform, we received a report indicating that there was a possibility that foreign nationals would leave the country carrying tarantulas. Therefore we contacted the aviation authorities in this case, and customs, and after carrying out careful surveillance and analysis of these individuals' behavior yesterday, around 15:30, we managed to stop them," said Kora Suarez, an official of the National Forestry and Wildlife Service of Peru.
The three Europeans now face criminal proceedings in connection with the case. Prosecutors and investigators will determine the exact charges and potential penalties under Peru's wildlife protection and anti-trafficking laws.
The seized tarantulas have been transferred to the competent agencies, which will handle them in accordance with regulations on the protection of wild fauna and the prevention of illegal trade in wildlife.
Photo: press material from the event
