German customs officials made a startling discovery when they found approximately 1,500 young tarantulas hidden in a shipment of spongecake boxes at Cologne Bonn Airport. The package, originating from Vietnam, arrived three weeks ago and weighed over 15 pounds. A noticeable smell alerted customs officers to inspect the package, leading to the discovery of the spiders in small plastic containers, according to a news release from the Cologne customs office.
Jens Ahland, a spokesperson for the Cologne customs office, described the seizure as extraordinary, noting that even seasoned officers were left speechless by the find. Unfortunately, many of the tarantulas did not survive the journey. The surviving spiders have been placed under professional care. Criminal proceedings are underway against the intended recipient in the Sauerland region for failing to declare the animals and pay the appropriate import duties.
German customs officials emphasized the importance of declaring animals and paying import duties for packages from non-EU countries.