A woman caught trafficking 138 live leeches hidden in her suitcase is facing wildlife abuse charges after being caught by astonished customs officials in Germany.

The 62-year-old passenger had arrived at Stuttgart Airport on a flight from Istanbul, Turkey, on Sunday, 26th November, and insisted she had nothing to declare.

But when customs officers searched her suitcase they found a styrofoam box hidden in her clothes containing nearly 140 leeches.

The box had been specially wrapped in damp clothes to prevent the blood-sucking creatures, which normally live in water, from drying out.

Baffled airport officials called experts from nearby Wilhelma Zoo who told them to put the parasitic worms in plastic cups filled with water.

Main Customs Office Stuttgart press spokesperson Thomas Seemann, 46, said: “The lady stated that she suffered from osteoarthritis.

“That’s why she brought the leeches with her to use them for her pain.

“The customs officers initiated proceedings against the woman for violating species protection regulations and confiscated the animals.”

Seemann added: “She could face a fine of several hundred euros.”

Keepers at Wilhelma Zoo are now caring for the creatures.

Experts say leech therapy, allowing the creatures to suck your blood for around 45 minutes, can bring relief from acute pain like arthritis.

They produce natural anticoagulants to improve blood flow, and the anaesthetic they pump into their victims when they bite can help with pain management.