A Korean man has been arrested in Peru after allegedly trying to smuggle hundreds of tarantulas and centipedes onto a plane to South Korea.
The 28-year-old South Korean, who has not been named by Peruvian authorities, tried to smuggle 320 tarantulas, 110 centipedes and nine gun ants from Peru, according to reports on Wednesday. He was arrested by authorities at the airport. press release By the Peruvian National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR).
The traveler was arrested while passing through the airport security checkpoint on November 8th. His stomach looked “swollen.” He was then asked to lift his shirt. He wore two belts attached to his body that held together his belongings.
According to the release, authorities recovered 35 adult tarantulas, 285 juvenile tarantulas, 110 centipedes and nine bullet ants.
“All of the animals were harvested illegally and are part of the illegal wildlife trade that moves millions of dollars around the world,” said SERFOR wildlife expert Walter Silva.
An investigation into the incident has begun. The animals likely came from Madre de Dios, according to the release.
united nations reportA paper published in May found that wildlife trafficking affects more than 4,000 species of plants and animals around the world. This report is based on data collected from 162 countries between 2015 and 2021.
Ghada Wali, Director-General of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, said: “Wildlife crime causes untold damage to nature, putting livelihoods, public health, good governance and the planet's ability to fight climate change at risk.” said.
