Southern California

5-Inch Beetles Found Smuggled in Japanese Snacks at Los Angeles Airport

Three dozen of the giant critters, worth about $40 each to collectors, were seized by inspectors before they could reach the exotic insect market.
5-Inch Beetles Found Smuggled in Japanese Snacks at Los Angeles Airport
The live beetles were concealed inside multiple packages of Japanese snacks, potato chips, and chocolate. U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Jill McLaughlin
|Updated:
0:00

Los Angeles International Airport inspectors found and seized 37 giant beetles smuggled inside several packages of Japanese snacks, potato chips, and chocolate, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported Feb. 5.

The exotic live insects—4 to 5 inches long and worth nearly $1,500—were shipped from Japan and possibly headed to exotic insect collectors on the black market, according to the agency.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
Author
Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.