READ: Creatures from the North.

[m0lsx]

I have just spotted this on FB. I have no idea if it is true or not. But given past statements by him. It is certainly worth finding more about.

 

[m0lsx]

https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/26060888.man-charged-tarantulas-seized-birkenhead-ferry-terminal/

A MAN has appeared at Wirral Magistrates Court charged with attempting to smuggle thousands of spiders through the 12 Quays ferry terminal in Birkenhead.

The charges relate to an incident on the evening of Saturday, July 26 last year when a car was stopped at 12 Quays ferry terminal by Border Force officers.
Merseyside Police say officers found approximately 2,000 spiders, however, it is alleged no certificate was in place allowing for the spiders to be brought in from Northern Ireland or to be sold in England.

Radoslaw Szymanski, 35, of Clagan Park, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, has now been charged with nine offences: three of being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of any prohibition or restriction under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 and six of keeping for sale and transporting a specimen of a species listed in Annex B to Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97.

Three different types of spider are listed as part of the charges, including spiders of the Tliltocatl genus, which are large burrowing tarantulas from North America, spiders of the Brachypelma genus, which are tarantulas originating from Mexico and Poecilotheria, a genus of tarantulas native to India and Sri Lanka.

All three are protected under the International Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species.

According to the UK Government there has been a surge in spider-trafficking since 2023.

Adult tarantulas can sell for between £50 to £500 depending on the species

Szymanski appeared at Wirral Magistrates Court on Monday, April 27 where he offered no pleas to the charges.

He was released on unconditional bail and will return to Merseyside for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on May 25 2026.

 

[Eighth Eye Blind]

This kind of stuff pisses me off so badly.

The penalty for a CITES violation in the UK is 7 years prison and/or an unlimited fine. Given the number of charges and animals involved I'm certainty hoping for both (but expect the typical wrist-slapping this kind of case normally brings).