Australia Seizes 100,000 Illegal Cockroaches Worth A$200,000 in Record Exotic Invertebrate Bust
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 5
Australia Seizes 100,000 Illegal Cockroaches Worth A$200,000 in Record Exotic Invertebrate Bust
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 5
Summary
More than 100,000 live Madagascar hissing and dubia cockroaches were confiscated in May from a commercial breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales, in Australia’s largest-ever seizure of illegal exotic invertebrates.
A$200,000 worth of insects were found even though both species are banned from import, breeding, sale and possession in Australia because they have not undergone environmental risk assessment.
Officials said the exotic cockroaches could spread disease or harm native wildlife, while a local snake catcher said the larger species were likely being sold as cheap reptile feed.
No charges were filed against the breeder, but authorities warned prosecutions remain possible for illegal exotic species cases and said the seized cockroaches will be euthanized.
Australia’s strict biosecurity regime is designed to shield agriculture, horticulture and native ecosystems from invasive pests, with smugglers of undeclared biological material facing fines of thousands of dollars.