German customs officials have unveiled images from a recent seizure: approximately 1,500 young tarantulas concealed within plastic containers. These containers were hidden inside chocolate spongecake boxes shipped to Cologne Bonn airport in western Germany.
The shipment, originating from Vietnam, was flagged by customs officials due to a “noticeable smell” that differed from the expected fragrance of spongecake, according to Cologne customs office spokesman Jens Ahland.
“While my colleagues at the airport are accustomed to surprising contents in prohibited packages from around the world, the discovery of around 1,500 small plastic containers filled with young tarantulas left even the most seasoned officers speechless,” Mr. Ahland stated.
Mr. Ahland praised the “extraordinary seizure” while expressing sorrow “to witness such exploitation of animals for mere profit.”
Tragically, many of the tarantulas perished during the journey, likely violating German animal-welfare regulations. The surviving spiders have been entrusted to the care of a specialist handler, the office reported.
The estimated value of the seized shipment is currently being evaluated, according to Mr. Ahland.
Criminal proceedings have been initiated against the intended recipient, residing in the Sauerland region east of the airport, for alleged offenses including failure to pay import duties and make accurate customs declarations, the office confirmed.
Although the tarantulas were discovered roughly three weeks prior, the customs office only released the images to the public on Monday.
