Tarantulas. Photo: Shutterstock Peruvian authorities have seized more than 3,000 tarantulas hidden inside the luggage of three European nationals at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. The suspects, two German citizens and one Polish citizen, were preparing to board a flight to Germany when they were intercepted.
The seizure was carried out by Peru's National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR), part of the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, in cooperation with customs officials.
Jorge Chavez International Airport. Photo: DJSully / Shutterstock.com According to SERFOR, the operation followed an anonymous tip submitted through its alert platform. Authorities subsequently conducted an intelligence operation to identify and intercept the suspected traffickers.
The tarantulas were concealed inside socks packed in three suitcases. Officials found specimens at different stages of development, including eggs, hatchlings and adult spiders.
Cora Suárez, a SERFOR forest and wildlife control technician responsible for the Strategic Control Post at Lima airport, said the collection included different species, some of which have not yet been scientifically described.
The spiders reportedly originated from several Peruvian regions, including Junín, Loreto, Cajamarca, Cusco and La Libertad.
The seized specimens are still undergoing identification. Initial assessments have identified spiders belonging to the Pamphobeteus genus, as well as Thrixopelma lagunas, Antikuna sp. and Avicularia sp.
SERFOR noted that some specimens from the latter groups have not yet been formally described by science.
One of the identified species, Pamphobeteus antinous, is classified as Vulnerable on Peru's official list of threatened wildlife species protected under Supreme Decree No. 004-2014-MINAGRI.
Pamphobeteus antinous. Photo: ShutterstockAccording to scientific publications cited by SERFOR, one of the detained individuals is a recognized tarantula researcher. Authorities believe the animals may have been intended for private collections, research purposes or the exotic pet trade.
The three European nationals were intercepted while checking in for their departure flight. They were subsequently detained by the environmental crimes unit of the Peruvian National Police and face proceedings under the jurisdiction of the Specialized Environmental Prosecutor's Office.
SERFOR said the suspects could also face administrative sanctions.
The seized tarantulas will undergo further assessment before being transferred to an authorized breeding facility, where they will be kept under appropriate conditions.
The agency said it would continue enforcement operations against illegal wildlife trafficking, warning that the trade poses a threat to Peru's biodiversity.