Tarantulas from Mexico to Switzerland

[NewsWhore]

International news reports carry the story of customs officers in Zurich that arrested a Swiss man who attempted to smuggle 261 endangered Mexican red-kneed tarantulas into Switzerland via the Dominican Republic. The tarantulas were each packed in their own plastic bags. The tarantulas, which are mildly poisonous to humans, grow up to six inches long and live for up to 30 years. As reported, the tarantulas were being sent to a Swiss dealer. Eleven of the spiders had died on the flight over from the DR. When the dealer's home was raided, the authorities discovered 665 tarantulas and 72 centipedes. As reported, the haul could have been sold on the black market for an estimated US$17,000. Interestingly, animals are the third-most trafficked item in Switzerland after weapons and drugs. The spiders were taken into care at the Swiss Federal Veterinary Office.

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2051210/Smuggler-caught-airport-261-Mexican-tarantulas-shoved-luggage.html?ito=feeds-newsxml (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2051210/Smuggler-caught-airport-261-Mexican-tarantulas-shoved-luggage.html?ito=feeds-newsxml)

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