Man Caught Smuggling Hundreds of Tarantulas at Peruvian Airport

Peruvian authorities arrested a South Korean man at Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport after discovering he was attempting to smuggle hundreds of tarantulas and other insects out of the country. The arrest occurred on November 8 when security personnel noticed the man’s unusually swollen stomach, which turned out to conceal the creatures.

South Korean Man Caught Smuggling Hundreds of Tarantulas at Peruvian Airport

Upon inspection, officials found two belts wrapped around his body, each holding hidden pouches packed with live insects. Wildlife specialists later cataloged the smuggled cargo, identifying 35 large tarantulas, 285 smaller tarantulas, 110 centipedes, and nine bullet ants.

The adult tarantulas, described as the size of a human hand, were stored in plastic containers, while the juveniles were crammed into narrow tubes sealed at both ends to prevent them from escaping.

Are These Creatures Illegal?

The insects are native to Peru’s Amazon rainforest, particularly the Madre de Dios region, known for its rich biodiversity. According to Peru’s National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR), tarantulas are listed as endangered in the country, making their illegal extraction a serious offense.

What Was The Man Doing With The Creatures?

Wildlife trafficking often spikes near the holiday season due to higher demand, said Walter Silva, a SERFOR wildlife specialist. These creatures are frequently sold for significant profit as part of the global illegal trade, which generates millions of dollars annually.

The suspect, who was en route to South Korea with a planned stopover in France, was taken into custody by Peru’s National Police. The Environmental Prosecutor’s Office has since launched an investigation.

What Happened To The Incests After The Man Was Caught?

The rescued insects, previously confined in overcrowded containers, have been relocated to a secure facility, where they are being cared for by specialists. Authorities continue to crack down on wildlife trafficking to protect Peru’s unique and vulnerable ecosystems.