Customs officials at an airport in Germany were faced with an unexpected discovery Monday as they seized some 1,500 young tarantula – found inside plastic containers hidden in boxes of chocolate cakes.

As reported in the Guardian, officials at Cologne-Bonn airport opened the package – which came from Vietnam – because of the stench, which bore no resemblance to the aroma of chocolate cake.

“The discovery has left even the most experienced officials speechless… It is sad that some people do such things to animals just for profit,” a customs official said.

Many of the tarantulas survived the journey and were handed over to specialists to receive the necessary care.

Meanwhile, criminal proceedings have been initiated against the person who was declared as the recipient.