According to Peruvian officials, the three European travelers—including one who’s been identified as a “renowned tarantula researcher”—could have made around $1.68 million from the creepy-crawly loot

November 13, 2026 10:00 a.m.

Officials found thousands of eggs, hatchlings and adult spiders. SERFOR

Authorities in Peru say they have foiled a plot to smuggle more than 3,000 tarantulas—including species not yet described in scientific publications—out of the country.

After receiving an anonymous tip , officials intercepted three travelers—two German citizens and one Polish citizen—at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima as they were checking in at the boarding area.…