German customs catch tarantulas in cookie shipment: Shocking find
Unexpected Tarantula Smuggling Discovered at Cologne‑Bonn
Massive Shipment Hidden Among Cookie Packaging
German customs officials intercepted a 15‑pound package from Vietnam that carried
b>1,500 tarantulas concealed inside plastic tubes. The shipment emitted a
strange odor when opened, and many spiders did not survive the flight. The survivors
were placed into professional care for specialized veterinary treatment.
- b>1,500 tarantulas concealed inside plastic tubes
- b>Severe casualties: many spiders did not survive flight
- b>Professional care: survivors placed into specialist veterinary program
Customs spokesman Jens Ahland commented, “This strange discovery left even the most experienced officers speechless.”
Profit‑Driven Abuse of Animals
The investigation has been launched to identify the package’s intended recipient,
who failed to declare duties and paid no taxes. Authorities describe the
treatment of animals solely for profit as deeply troubling.
Historical Precedents
In 2020, the same airport customs officers uncovered 16 live and 10 dead reptiles
smuggled within toys, sweets and dolls imported from Mexico.
