At the international terminal of Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, Peruvian authorities seized more than 3,000 bird‑eating spiders that had been hidden in socks inside three suitcases. The cargo was being transported by two German nationals and a Polish citizen, all of whom were detained. The discovery followed an anonymous tip that the luggage might contain contraband wildlife. When customs officials inspected the bags, they found dozens of socks filled with spiders of various ages – from eggs and juveniles to fully grown adults. Among the seized specimens was Pamphobeteus antinous, one of the largest bird‑eating spiders in South America and a protected species. “Some of the spiders may belong to species that have not yet been described by science,” said Coras Suárez, a spokesperson for the National Service of Forestry and Wildlife (SERFOR). “The presence of Pamphobeteus antinous confirms that the shipment included protected animals.” Reuters confirmed the arrest and the contents of the cargo. SERFOR added that one of the detainees is a well‑known researcher of bird‑eating spiders, suggesting that the animals were intended for private collectors, scientific study, or the exotic pet market. Peruvian law imposes penalties of three to five years in prison for illegal wildlife trafficking, with sentences extending to seven years if protected species are involved. An investigation has been opened against the three European suspects on charges of unlawful wildlife trade.
Article source: Business & the Baltics | Image credit: Business & the Baltics