Authorities in Peru have seized more than 3,000 tarantulas at Lima's international airport before they could be illegally transported to Germany, according to the country's National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR).
The spiders were hidden inside used socks and packed into three suitcases belonging to three passengers, two German nationals and one Polish national.
"While carrying out a manual inspection, we noticed that some of the socks were moving," said Cora Suarez, a technician with SERFOR.
According to authorities, the tarantulas originated from various regions of Peru and ranged from eggs and juvenile specimens to fully grown adults.
Video released by SERFOR showed specialists removing the spiders and placing them into plastic containers.
🚨✈️ #LoÚltimo. El Serfor y Aduanas incautaron en el Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez más de 3000 tarántulas que eran transportadas de manera oculta dentro de equipajes de ciudadanos extranjeros, quienes tenían previsto viajar a Alemania. 🕷️ Los infractores fueron detenidos por la Policía Nacional del Perú (PNP) y se les abrirá un proceso administrativo sancionador. 👮♂️⚖️ #NoTeCompresUnDelito 🔗 Más información en: https://t.co/XhEKaixkZ1
— Serfor Perú (@SerforPeru) November 5, 2026
The three foreign nationals were arrested by a police unit specialising in environmental crimes and face administrative and prosecutorial proceedings, according to the agency.
Authorities said the animals were allegedly destined for the European black market, where tarantulas can sell for up to €500 each.
Because of their high value, wildlife trafficking remains a highly lucrative criminal activity.
According to Interpol, illegal wildlife trafficking generates an estimated $20 billion annually worldwide and is regarded as one of the major threats to global biodiversity.
Sources: ANA-MPA
