In a bizarre twist at Peru’s Jorge Chávez International Airport, security personnel discovered a man attempting to smuggle out an astonishing collection of live creatures strapped to his body. The 28-year-old South Korean individual was detained on November 8, 2024, when authorities found he was carrying not just any cargo, but 320 tarantulas, 110 centipedes, and nine bullet ants.
The discovery was made during a routine security check where officers noticed an unusual bulge around the passenger’s midsection. Upon closer inspection, they uncovered a makeshift arachnid and insect menagerie, with the spiders and insects carefully packaged in zip-lock bags and secured around the man’s abdomen with two belts.
A Closer Look at the Crawling Contraband
The species of tarantulas included 35 adults from the threatened Pamphobeteus antinous species, known for their impressive size, and 285 juveniles from the Theraphosidae family. The centipedes, identified as Scolopendra sp., are known for their painful stings, while the bullet ants, Paraponera clavata, are renowned for having one of the most painful stings in the insect world, earning them their name from the sensation akin to being shot.
The Illegal Wildlife Trade
This incident sheds light on the darker underbelly of the exotic pet trade. Walter Silva, a wildlife specialist with Peru’s National Forest and Wildlife Service (Serfor), commented, “These animals were illegally extracted from Peru’s Amazon, pointing to the ongoing issue of wildlife trafficking which globally turns over millions of dollars.” He noted that the demand for exotic pets, particularly around festive seasons like Christmas, can spike, fueling such illegal activities.
Airport Security’s Response
Airport security, in collaboration with Serfor and national police, swiftly acted to intercept this smuggling attempt. The man now faces charges related to the illegal trade of wildlife, which could lead to significant legal repercussions under Peruvian law, which aims to protect its rich biodiversity.
The Fate of the Creatures
The tarantulas, centipedes, and ants were carefully removed from the smuggler and are currently under the care of Serfor. Efforts are being made to assess their health and potential for rehabilitation or return to the wild, depending on their condition and species-specific requirements.
