Woman Arrested for Smuggling Poisonous Frogs at Bogota Airport

Discovery of Poisonous Frogs

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, who was en route to Sao Paulo, 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.

Details of the Arrest

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 130 harlequin poison frogs. These amphibians are native to Colombia and are considered one of the most toxic species in the world.

The 37-year-old woman reportedly intended to take the frogs to Sao Paulo, Brazil. The national police of Colombia stated, "This endangered species is particularly sought after in international markets, where collectors pay up to a thousand dollars due to their beauty and rarity in Colombia's unique forests." Despite her claims that the frogs were a gift from people in the Narino region, the large quantity raised suspicions, and she now faces charges of wildlife trafficking.