A guy who was discovered with hundreds of insects tied to his body as part of a purported wildlife trafficking plan has been arrested, according to South American authorities.
The 28-year-old South Korean national tried to board a flight at the Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima on November 8 with 320 tarantulas, 110 centipedes, and nine bullet ants, according to Peru’s National Forestry and Wildlife Service.
Authorities added that once the suspect’s abdominal area appeared enlarged and needed more inspection, security personnel focused on him.
“All were illegally extracted and are part of the illegal wildlife trafficking that moves millions of dollars in the world,” said National Forestry and Wildlife Service wildlife specialist Walter Silva.
Federal officials now have secure custody of some of the insects that were once believed to be endangered from the Amazon jungle. According to officials, 285 of the tarantulas were deemed juveniles, and 35 were adults, roughly the size of a hand.
They were reportedly concealed beneath two belts fastened to the suspect’s body, enclosed in plastic bags, and strengthened with tape. According to wildlife experts, trafficking rises during the holidays, when illegal goods are usually most expensive.
Products from sharks and jaguars, as well as animals including primates, sloths, boas, pacas, caiman, and parrots, are frequently traded illegally from South America.
As per the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, trafficking in wildlife is regarded as one of the most significant illicit operations globally, second only to drug trafficking, human trafficking, and counterfeit goods.
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Illegal trading costs over $23 billion annually, putting endangered species like sharks, tigers, and elephants under a lot of stress.
Authorities did not indicate the legal repercussions the 28-year-old South Korean national could face, which normally involves fines and imprisonment in other countries.
