Not tasty and possibly harmful
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at Los Angeles airport (LAX) intercepted 37 live beetles hidden in Japanese snacks, potato chips and chocolate. The insects, valued at USD 1,480, arrived from Japan in air cargo shipments last month.
“These beetles may seem harmless, but they pose a major threat to US agriculture, as they can damage plants, leaves and forests,” said Cheryl M. Davies, CBP’s director of field operations.
Exotic beetles are highly sought after by collectors, fuelling an illegal insect trade. Importing them requires a USDA permit, which the shipment lacked. The seized beetles were handed over to USDA officials and will likely be donated to local zoos or preserved for research.
CBP agriculture specialists intercept thousands of harmful pests daily, thus protecting the USA’s agricultural resources. (ah)