The arachnids were found at Cologne Bonn airport after customs officials were tipped off by a "noticeable smell" that did not match the expected aroma of the alleged treats.

German customs at Cologne Bonn Airport discovered 1,500 live tarantulas hidden in cake boxes in a shipment from Vietnam, raising animal welfare concerns

A criminal investigation has been launched into the package's intended recipient for failing to pay duties and make the proper declarations.