Chinese customs seize 90 spiders in mail

HANGZHOU - Customs in East China's Zhejiang province said Wednesday that they had seized 90 live poisonous spiders from parcels sent from Germany.

The 81 Theraphosidae spiders and 9 six-eyed sand spiders, which were sold as pets, were concealed in boxes labeled as "materials for study and research purpose," according to customs. They were found during two routine checks in April.

Theraphosidae are aggressive and toxic, while six-eyed sand spiders are among the world's most virulent animals, their venom can cause organ failure and there is no known antidote.

The import of live animals via luggage or mail is banned in China, nonetheless, customs continue to intercept and seize a range of animals, including scorpions, snakes and poisonous frogs.

Last year, customs in southwestern Sichuan Province foiled an attempt to smuggle more than 1,000 live ants, concealed in two packages, sent from Germany.