German customs officers at Cologne Bonn Airport have discovered around 1,500 tarantulas hidden in cake and cookie boxes.
The shipment had arrived from Vietnam and was on its way to an address in the Sauerland region, authorities said on Monday.
The officers noticed that the packages were unusually light and had a strong smell. According to the official statement, the boxes were supposed to weigh seven kilos, but they were much lighter when checked.
Inside the packages, customs found hundreds of small plastic containers. Each one held a tarantula. “My colleagues at customs have seen a lot, but even the most experienced officers were speechless when they found 1,500 tarantulas packed in tiny plastic tubes,” said Jens Ahland, a spokesperson for Cologne customs.
Many of the spiders were already dead when discovered. The surviving tarantulas have been placed in terrariums, where they are being cared for.
Authorities are now investigating the case. The person who was supposed to receive the shipment will face legal action for breaking animal welfare laws.
It is not yet clear whether the spiders were meant for sale or part of the illegal exotic pet trade. Customs did not provide information about the species of tarantulas or their market value.
Animal smuggling, especially involving exotic species, remains a serious issue in Europe. Customs officials regularly discover reptiles, insects, and other animals hidden in luggage or shipments. This case is one of the largest involving spiders in recent years.
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