CRIME

Spiders in Spongecake: A Strange Smuggling Tale

Cologne Bonn airport, GermanyMon Jul 14 2025

In a bizarre turn of events, officials in Germany recently uncovered a peculiar smuggling attempt.

Tiny Tarantulas Hidden in Chocolate Spongecake

Instead of drugs or other contraband, they found around 1,500 tiny tarantulas hidden inside boxes of chocolate spongecake. The shipment arrived at Cologne Bonn airport from Vietnam, and it was the unusual smell that first raised suspicions.

Customs Team's Shocking Discovery

The customs team, accustomed to finding unexpected items, was still surprised by this discovery. Jens Ahland, a spokesman for the Cologne customs office, shared that the package weighed about 15 pounds, which should have been filled with sweet treats. Instead, they found small plastic containers holding young tarantulas.

A Remarkable Yet Saddening Find

This find was both remarkable and saddening. Many of the spiders did not survive the journey, which likely violated German animal welfare laws. The survivors were handed over to an expert for care. The intended recipient, located in the Sauerland region, is now facing legal consequences for alleged violations of import duties and customs declarations.

Extreme Measures for Profit

The estimated value of the shipment is still being determined. The customs office only made the images public recently, about three weeks after the discovery. This case highlights the extreme measures some people take for profit, even at the expense of innocent creatures.

questions

    How many tarantulas does it take to make a spongecake collapse under their weight?
    How does the smuggling of tarantulas impact local ecosystems and biodiversity?
    What role does public awareness play in combating the illegal wildlife trade?

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