German customs uncovered 1,500 tarantulas hidden inside chocolate cake boxes from Vietnam. Many didn’t survive the journey, and legal action is underway. A bizarre reminder of the importance of strict import regulations and animal welfare.
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Overview:
• German customs officials seized approximately 1,500 young tarantulas hidden inside plastic containers within chocolate spongecake boxes shipped from Vietnam.
• The shipment was discovered at Cologne Bonn airport after customs detected a strange smell that prompted an inspection of the package containing about 7 kilograms of confectionery.
• Many of the tarantulas did not survive the journey, likely due to poor conditions and possible violations of German animal-welfare regulations, while survivors were handed over to an expert handler.
• Criminal proceedings are ongoing against the intended recipient for alleged customs violations and failure to pay import duties, with the shipment’s value still being assessed.
• The seizure was made approximately three weeks prior, but authorities only released images of the discovery publicly on the day of the report.

Tags:
#newscvg #worldnews #news #animalwelfare #customsseizure #wildlifeprotection #tarantularescue #illegalimport #wildlifejustice #animalrights #travelsafety #customsalert #wildlifeconservation #stopillegaltrade #animalprotection #wildlifeawareness #importregulations #bizarrenews