37 giant live beetles disguised as Japanese snacks seized at LAX

LOS ANGELES - More than three dozen live beetles concealed inside packages of Japanese snacks like potato chips and chocolate were seized at Los Angeles International Airport, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials. 

The contraband valued at $1,480 was found by CBP agriculture specialists during an inspection of a shipment arriving from Japan via air cargo last month, officials said.

"They may look harmless but in reality, smuggled beetles pose a significant threat to our vital agriculture resources," said Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. "Beetles can become a serious pest by eating plants, leaves, and roots and by laying eggs on tree bark which damages our forests."

According to officials, popular exotic insects such as these beetles are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who purchase them illegally online and through "underground sources."

Importing live insects in the U.S. requires a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) permit, or a letter issued by PPQ Plants, Pathogens and Biocontrol unit.

"CBP agriculture specialists combine their scientific knowledge of harmful pests and plant diseases with their expertise in detecting and intercepting these threats before their enter our country," said Andrew H. Douglas, CBP LAX Port Director. "We are very proud of their contributions to our national security mission."

The seized beetles were turned over to USDA officials, who will determine the insects' final destination. They will likely be donated to local zoos with permits for live insects or preserved for local insect collection, officials said.

Nationwide on a typical day in 2023, CBP agriculture specialists seize more than 3,287 prohibited plants, meat and animal byproducts and intercept over 231 agricultural pests that could potentially harm America’s agricultural resources.