This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
You Can't Mail Tarantulas from Germany to L.A.
Photo by scragz via Flickr
A man accused of smuggling hundreds (hundreds!) of tarantulas (tarantulas!) into the United States via U.S. mail was arrested by undercover federal agents yesterday after he arrived in Los Angeles, according to KTLA.
Sven Koppler of Watchtberg, Germany has been under investigation since March when a routine search of an international package revealed 300 live tarantulas that were being shipped to L.A. without being declared and without permits. The investigation was aptly named "Operation Spiderman."
Fish and Wildlife agents intercepted another package that contained 250 live tarantulas, including 22 Mexican red-kneed tarantulas, a species that is protected under an international treaty and can only be legally traded with special permits.
His final spider slip-up? Undercover agents posed as customers and Koppler took their orders for dozens of tarantulas. It is believed he made $300,000 in international spider sales and many in the tarantula trade regard Koppler as a well-known and highly respected dealer.
He is charged with one count of illegally importing wildlife into the U.S. and faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
