A man was arrested at Lima airport when he tried to board with more than 300 tarantulas hidden under his sweater. Peruvian authorities discovered a veritable zoo on the body of the suspect, who was preparing to travel to Asia.
Customs officers at Lima airport made an unusual discovery during a security check. A 28-year-old man, probably of Korean nationality, was preparing to board a flight to Asia with more than 300 tarantulas hidden under his sweater. His unusually swollen abdomen attracted the attention of security guards.
In addition to the 320 tarantulas, the man also carried 110 centipedes and 9 giant ants, all hidden in bags attached to his body. The animals, which come from the Peruvian Amazon, were destined for the black market in Asia.
The seized tarantulas are on the list of endangered species in Peru. Their trafficking is a real scourge that endangers biodiversity. Experts say the animals are often smuggled into Asia before the holiday season, to be sold as pets or to collectors.
A lucrative black market
The illegal wildlife trade is a lucrative multi-million dollar business globally. The Peruvian authorities are actively fighting against this trafficking which threatens the country’s fauna and flora.
Animal trafficking tarantulas Lima airport Peru endangered species biodiversity black market
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