Woman Arrested for Smuggling 130 Poisonous Frogs at Bogota Airport

Discovery of Poisonous Frogs at the Airport

At Bogota Airport, authorities discovered 130 poisonous frogs hidden in a woman's luggage, leading to allegations of wildlife trafficking. The Colombian police found these harlequin frogs concealed in small film containers. The woman was reportedly traveling to Sao Paulo and claimed that the frogs were a gift from a local community in southern Colombia. According to police, these frogs are an endangered species, with a potential market value of up to $1,000 (approximately 83,000 rupees) each.

The woman was intercepted by police at El Dorado Airport while attempting to smuggle the frogs. Although her name has not been disclosed, she was caught trying to transport the 130 harlequin poison frogs in small containers. Police noted that these frogs are native to Colombia and are considered one of the most toxic amphibians in the world.

The 37-year-old woman allegedly intended to take the frogs to Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Colombian National Police reported that this endangered species is highly sought after in international markets, where collectors pay up to a thousand dollars due to their beauty and rarity in Colombia's unique forests. The woman stated that the frogs were a gift from people in the Narino region of western Colombia. However, the large quantity of frogs and her explanation raised suspicions among the authorities. Currently, she faces charges of wildlife trafficking.