Airport security deals with some rather unusual scenarios, but a recent one in Peru takes the cake. On November 8, a 28-year-old set to fly back to his home in South Korea stood out to airport workers. Why? Because his stomach area was said to look strangely “bulky.” So much so, in fact, that the man was searched to ensure nothing illegal or dangerous was happening. Little did they know, however, that they had just spotted a tarantula smuggler.
Videos by InspireMore
Plus, that was far from the only creature the man had on him. In total, there were 320 tarantulas, 110 centipedes, and nine bullet ants. Each was placed inside Ziplock bags that were strapped to his abdominal area. Now, to address what is on most of our minds… why would anyone do this?
@cnn Police in Peru have arrested a man caught trying to leave the country with 320 tarantulas, 110 centipedes and nine bullet ants strapped to his body. CNN’s Brianna Keilar and Boris Sanchez report. #CNN #News ♬ original sound – CNN
Airport Security and Police Capture a Tarantula Smuggler Just Before He Gets On His Flight
As unusual as it may sound to be a smuggler for creepy-crawlies like tarantulas, centipedes, and ants, it happens more often than you may think. Turns out, there is a surprisingly large demand for animals like insects and arachnids on the black market. This is especially true for those that are endangered, like the tarantula.
“They were all illegally extracted and are part of illegal wildlife trafficking worth millions of dollars globally,” Walter Silva, a wildlife specialist at Peru’s national forestry and wildlife service (SERFOR) explains.
Thankfully, the airport security in Peru intervened just in time. Because of that, police were able to detain the man so an investigation could begin. Meanwhile, the animals the man attempted to smuggle, likely from the Madre de Dios region in the Peruvian Amazon, are in the care of authorities.
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
