A US museum curator was detained in Turkey on claims of spider smuggling. He says he has permits

Published May 13, 2024 6:47 AM

ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkish media say a curator at the American Museum of Natural History has been detained in Istanbul while allegedly attempting to smuggle spider and scorpion samples. Lorenzo Prendini, an expert on arachnids at the New York-based museum, says he has permits from the government to conduct his research. He was held by police at Istanbul Airport on Monday while allegedly trying to take about 1,500 samples out of the country. Video carried by Demiroren News Agency showed officers searching hand luggage and removing plastic bags that appeared to be packed with dead spiders and scorpions.

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