A recent shipment arriving at Los Angeles International Airport from Japan contained hidden live beetles, including scarab, stag, and darkling beetles, worth $1,500. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials reported that these beetles were likely smuggled for exotic insect collections. The illegal importation poses significant environmental risks, akin to the incident with murder hornets landing in Washington State five years ago. Most live insects require permits for import to prevent ecological threats, with strict regulations enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Fish and Wildlife Service.
The shipment, though, wasn't destined to hit store shelves. Agriculture specialists with U.S. Customs and Border Protection discovered 37 giant live beetles hidden inside snack bags and containers.
They said that the beetles were worth about $1,500. The illegally smuggled insects included scarab beetles, stag beetles, and darkling beetles.
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