Three travelers detained in Peru with more than 3,000 tarantulas

Peruvian officials seized more than 3,000 tarantulas from luggage at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima on November 3.

The spiders included eggs, hatchlings and adults from several species, packed in containers hidden inside socks.

Three travelers were detained while preparing to fly to Germany; officials identified them as two German citizens and one Polish citizen.

Peru prohibits taking wild animals without permits, and many of the seized spiders are protected under its laws.

The case could bring prison sentences of three to seven years if the travelers are convicted, with higher penalties possible for protected species.

Officials suspect the spiders were intended for collectors, research or the exotic pet trade.

The suspects are awaiting a criminal investigation by Peru’s environmental prosecutor’s office.