Overview

• Customs at Cologne Bonn airport intercepted about 1,500 young tarantulas smuggled from Vietnam concealed in plastic containers within spongecake boxes.
• A distinctive odor prompted officials to inspect the 7 kg package, revealing the spiders in violation of wildlife trafficking regulations.
• Many of the tarantulas died during transit and surviving specimens were handed over to an expert handler under Germany’s animal welfare laws.
• Criminal proceedings have been opened against the intended recipient in the Sauerland region for evading import duties and making false declarations.
• Authorities are assessing the shipment’s estimated value as part of their investigation into the illicit wildlife transport.