Police in Colombia's capital recovered 216 poisonous frogs, some of which are critically endangered, from an airport bathroom shortly before authorities say they were going to be illegally trafficked for sale in Germany.

Colombian Police seized 216 exotic poisonous frogs in Bogota, found hidden inside film canisters in a bathroom at Intenational El Dorado airport. They were abandoned by traffickers who intended to take them to Germany and were instead delivered to the Environment Secretariat on November 7, 2018. [Photo: VCG]

Authorities announced on Wednesday they'd found the frogs hidden in small film containers inside a bag filled with clothes.

The rescued amphibians include endangered species like the dark orange-and-black Lehmann's poisonous frog.

Colombian Police seized 216 exotic poisonous frogs in Bogota, found hidden inside film canisters in a bathroom at Intenational El Dorado airport. They were abandoned by traffickers who intended to take them to Germany and were instead delivered to the Environment Secretariat on November 7, 2018. [Photo: VCG]

The creatures can fetch 2,000 US dollars each on the illegal wildlife market.

They are sought after by collectors and others hoping to obtain their venom.

Colombian Police seized 216 exotic poisonous frogs in Bogota, found hidden inside film canisters in a bathroom at Intenational El Dorado airport. They were abandoned by traffickers who intended to take them to Germany and were instead delivered to the Environment Secretariat on November 7, 2018. [Photo: VCG]

The frogs are typically found in Colombia's Choco department near the Pacific coast.

Investigators believe the amphibians were transported by land but have not yet determined who is responsible.