Nearly 40 Exotic Live Insects Found in Unexpected Place at LAX
Authorities recently made the shocking discovery of dozens of exotic live beetles concealed in packages of Japanese snacks, including potato chips and chocolate, during a search at Los Angeles International Airport.
A total of 37 giant beetles were found by agriculture specialists with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) while conducting a physical examination of an air cargo shipment that had arrived from Japan last month. The agency did not specify exactly what breed of beetle the insects were, only that they measured four to five inches and length and were worth an estimated $1,480.
The insects were likely intended to be sold to collectors, as there is a market for exotic insects. "Sold online and underground sources, the illegal trade of exotic insects brings hefty profits for those willing to take the risk of circumventing U.S. laws and regulations," CBP said in a press release on Wednesday.
"They may look harmless but in reality, smuggled beetles pose a significant threat to our vital agriculture resources," said Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. "Beetles can become a serious pest by eating plants, leaves, and roots and by laying eggs on tree bark which damages our forests.'
In order to legally import live insects into the United States, a permit must first be obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), or a letter issued by PPQ Plants, Pathogens, and Biocontrol unit.
Afer being seized by agents, the beetles were handed over to USDA officials, who will determine what will happen to them next. Likely, they will be donated to local zoos or museum insect collections that have permits to keep live insects.
CBP agriculture specialists seized more than 3,287 prohibited plants, meat, and animal byproducts on an average day in 2023; as well as intercepting over 231 agricultural pests that could be potentially harmful to America's agricultural resources. In recent months alone, agents have intercepted everything from 90 giant African land snails and potentially destructive fruit fly larvae to over 700 pounds of Mexican bologna from illegally entering the country.
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