Per People, On November 8, a native of South Korea attempted to exit Peru through Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport in Peru in an attempt to smuggle exotic insects and arachnids, including centipedes and tarantulas.

However, security officials observed something unusual about his stomach as it seemed too big. This abnormal shape led them to stop the 28-year-old foreigner who was asked to lift his shirt. What they found included two belts strapped to camouflage bags. Authorities who searched the bag confirmed that the man had animals indigenous to the land.

The smuggler had packed over 300 tarantulas, 110 centipedes, and nine bullet ants from Peru wildlife. Among the bugs were 35 adult tarantulas and 285 younger ones. Peru’s National Forest and Wildlife claimed that one adult tarantula was as big as a person’s hand. When they emptied the packages into containers, each adult filled a container.

Walter Silva, a wildlife expert, revealed that the tarantulas are Peru’s endangered species. According to SERFOR, the smuggler had gotten the creatures from Madre de Dios. It is a biodiverse area with a forest that contributes 12% of the Peruvian Amazon.

The smuggler’s attempt to steal some Peruvian centipedes and tarantulas was likely for greed. According to Silva, this is a global trade scheme where such bugs are auctioned to the highest bidders. The buyers are always willing to part with millions of dollars to have these rare species. It is often common around the holiday season as it generates lots of wealth.

While the authorities refused to share the identity of the smuggler, they mentioned his point of delivery. The statement from SERFOR revealed that his location was Korea with intentions to fly to France.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?