Wildlife protection control at Frankfurt Airport: Polar bear in luggage

German customs officers at Frankfurt Airport intercept an average of two instances of protected animal or plant smuggling daily. Christine Straß, a customs officer with over 40 years of experience at Germany's largest airport, shared anecdotes of audacious smugglers, including a passenger who tried to pass through security with a monkey hidden in his hat.

Straß explained that while many travelers are unaware, bringing protected species or their products into the country is illegal. Customs officials are particularly vigilant with flights arriving from Africa and South America, regions known for the potential presence of furs, ivory, or snakeskin. The officers also act on anonymous tips regarding smuggled goods.

“

It is amazing how brazen some animal smugglers are.

Beyond live animals and animal products, customs also confiscates forbidden food items, such as sheep cheese from Turkey or salami from Argentina. These items are banned due to the risk of introducing pathogens into the country. Discovered contraband is disposed of in designated disposal bins at the airport.

Zollhauptsekretärin Lina Müller, who preferred to remain anonymous, is responsible for observing passengers and their luggage. Regulations govern what travelers can bring into other countries, and large amounts of cash or cigarettes must be declared. The article highlights that many tourists unknowingly violate these laws by bringing back prohibited souvenirs from their vacations.

“

Many tourists are completely unaware that they have brought a forbidden souvenir from their holiday with them.