Lima Airport Seizes 3,000 Tarantulas From Three Foreign Tourists
Officials found the spiders hidden in the luggage of two Germans and a Polish national heading to Europe.
By Daphne Turner ·
More than 3,000 tarantulas were confiscated at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday. The arachnids were found concealed within the bags of three travelers: two German nationals and one Polish national. All three passengers were preparing to fly to Germany when authorities intercepted them.
The National Service of Forestry and Wildlife (SERFOR) issued a statement confirming the seizure. An anonymous tip prompted the inspection of the luggage. The three foreigners have been detained and will face criminal proceedings. Cora Suárez, who heads the SERFOR control post at the airport, said the shipment included eggs, young spiders, and adults.
Suárez noted that the traffickers carefully selected various species. She stated that some of the tarantulas have not yet been described by science. Among the identified specimens are Pamphobeteus Antinous, commonly known as blue-footed tarantulas. Experts say these spiders can reach a leg span of 20 centimeters. They are native to the Amazon regions of Peru and Bolivia and primarily eat insects.
Under Peruvian law, the Pamphobeteus Antinous is classified as vulnerable. It appears on the national list of legally protected wild fauna. The specific use intended for the animals remains unclear to authorities. The three suspects may be investigated for illegal wildlife trafficking. That offense carries a prison sentence of three to five years. If prosecutors prove the spiders were protected species, the penalty could increase to four to seven years.
This is not the first time Peruvian officials have intercepted tarantulas at the same airport. In 2024, police arrested a South Korean man with 320 tarantulas hidden in containers and bags under his clothing. In February, authorities rescued nearly 500 wild birds near the Amazon. Those birds, known as multi-colored parakeets, were destined for sale inside and outside Peru.
The three detained travelers are currently in custody in Lima. The seized tarantulas are in the care of SERFOR. The criminal process for the three individuals is expected to continue as investigators review the evidence.
