‘Spider smuggler’ arrested with hundreds of tarantulas taped to body as he tries to fly out of Peru

A South Korean man was arrested in Peru’s capital after attempting to smuggle hundreds of tarantulas out of the country by strapping them to his body.

The suspect had concealed over 300 spiders, approximately 100 centipedes, and nine bullet ants known for their painful sting, all packed into small plastic bags at Lima Airport, according to various reports.

Both Reuters and ABC News detailed how the 28-year-old’s attempt was foiled when security guards noticed his unusually swollen stomach.

Pilar Ayala, a biologist from SERFOR (Peru’s National Forestry and Wildlife Service), was summoned to Jorge Chavez International Airport where the incident occurred. She stated, “In the report they indicated that they found a Korean citizen in possession of wildlife specimens.”

She further explained the method of concealment, saying, “It was observed that the citizen had placed these specimens in small ziploc bags with filter paper. They were placed around his body, contained by two girdles.”

Officials resuced the spiders and other insects

SERFOR often responds in cases where tarantulas appear to be smuggled and sold at premium prices as exotic pets.

Ms. Ayala confirmed that the man was arrested and the insects were taken into custody for their protection.

Alice Hughes, a biology professor at Hong Kong University, informed The Telegraph that collectors aim to amass as many species as they can, showing little regard for the methods used.

She explained, “Tarantulas are particularly susceptible to poaching because they live long lives—some up to 30 years—and female tarantulas reproduce late and infrequently.”