Customs officials discover 37 living beetles disguised as food imported from Japan
Customs authorities at Los Angeles International Airport LAX arrested a peculiar load last month as they seized 37 large beetles living their lives in the shipment of Japanese junk food items from Japan.
A routine cargo check at LAX revealed 37 giant live beetles measuring nearly five inches long about the size of a human hand stuffed inside bags of Japanese snack items such as potato chips and chocolates.
According to authorities, the smuggling attempt posed a serious risk to U.S. agriculture. “These beetles may look harmless, but they can become a significant pest by damaging plants, leaves, and tree roots,” said Cheryl M. Davies, CBP’s Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles.
Illegal trade in exotic insects is a profitable yet risky business. Importing live insects into the U.S. requires a permit from the Department of Agriculture, which was not done in this case.
Otherwise, without the regulation of proper authorities, they can easily interfere with the natural ecosystems and also threaten the indigenous species.
The intercepted beetles were handed over to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which will determine their fate. Authorities say they may be donated to zoos with the proper permits.
This unusual case shows the efforts of customs officials in preventing potentially harmful species from entering the country, ensuring the protection of both agriculture and the environment.
