Last Friday, Peruvian authorities intercepted a 28-year-old Korean citizen who was trying to leave the country with 320 tarantulas, 100 centipedes and nine Cape Verde ants camouflaged on his body.
According to the National Forestry and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) of the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, the man placed the animals "inside zippered bags, reinforced with adhesive tape and camouflaged in two bands attached to the body."
In total, SERFOR experts verified the existence of "35 adult tarantulas of the species 'Pamphobeteus antinous', the size of a hand; 285 young tarantulas of the species 'Theraphosidae'; 110 centipedes ('Scolopendra sp.') and nine ants- Cape Verde ('Paraponera clavata')".
Expert Walter Silva explained that the species found are native to the Peruvian Amazon and tarantulas are on the list of endangered animals in the country. "They were all extracted illegally and are part of the illegal wildlife trade that generates millions of dollars around the world," he said.
The suspect was arrested at Jorge Chavez International Airport, in Lima, when he tried to return to Korea, via France. However, while passing through security, authorities detected that he had a "protruding belly" and asked him to lift his shirt. Inside, he carried two belts and inside them were packages with camouflaged animals.
The animals, which were "totally overcrowded and mistreated", were transported to a "safe place" while the Environmental Prosecutor's Office investigates the case.
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